I'd like to be able to publish a Bloomin' Tuesday post today, but those along the front range of Colorado have been advised to stay inside, which means it's a "no picture taking" day. As of this morning the High Park Fire {west of Fort Collins} had burned 68 square miles and was growing significantly,
with zero percent containment. My husband and I first noticed the fire on Saturday. We looked north and saw a huge cloud of smoke that resembled a massive thunderhead. Our first impression was that we wondered if there had been an enormous explosion. Because it was so hot that day {96 degrees}, the heat of the fire created a huge "thunderhead" that could be seen for miles. With that thunderhead came a deluge of smoke that tracked across the sky. Since then the fire and smoke has only increased in size and magnitude.
Until last night the winds were carrying the smoke northeast and away from us, but this morning we woke to thick smoke-filled skies. We live about 25 miles from the fire as the crow flies. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for those who are fighting the fire or for those whose homes have been destroyed or are in danger...
{source: Vicki Fraley}
{source: Callie Anstett}
Five hundred to 600 personnel
are fighting the blaze. Officials have concluded the fire began with a lightening strike. By Monday afternoon, at least 100
homes had been damaged or destroyed by the fire and one life lost. Prayers for those in harms way and those most affected by the fire would be appreciated.
Linked to:
Bloomin' Tuesday @ Ms Green Thumb Jeans
Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes
