This is my second post today because I wanted to share the sad affairs we are experiencing due to the fires in Colorado. I took this image today about 1:00 pm. The East Troublesome fire that began a week ago, erupted on Wednesday afternoon due to high winds, plenty of beetle killed pine and very dry conditions. It jumped from 19,000 acres to over 125,000 acres by Thursday morning, a rate of about 6,000 acres an hour. The town of Grand Lake was evacuated yesterday evening. As of 1:00 pm this afternoon the fire had jumped the Continental Divide and was burning in the upper reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. They have confirmed active flames in Forest Canyon just west of Moraine Park. It has now clearly jumped the Continental Divide and is burning on both east and west sides of the Divide. Estes Park has been put on mandatory evacuations. People are evacuating so Highway 36, 34 and 7 are a mess. I saw a video a while ago of elk heading east, they’re evacuating also. The sky looks apocalyptic.
10 Comments
Earl
Terrifying photo, Monte. I did a Google Map search for the town of Grand Lake you mentioned and I noticed that Google has included markers for the major fires and if you click on the fire pins they show the boundary for each fire’s burn area. I’m uncertain how up to date they are but it gives some general frame of reference for us that don’t know the area. I feel so sorry for all those out west who are suffering so much due to the massive wildfires this year. Take care and I hope things improve there this weekend.
Monte Stevens
When we are distant from the events we are not as concerned. That’s true when hurricanes hit the east coast or when fires burn in California or Oregon. It is cold this morning, 28 degrees right now. Snow tomorrow evening through to Monday. Bring it on, even the cold.
Joe
Sorry to see this Monte. Hoping for some rain for you folks!
Monte Stevens
Snow is coming this weekend. I read today that we have had more acreage burned in 2020 than the past 40 years combined. With all the beetle kill and the drought it was inevitable. Wonder if there’s a snow dance?
Cedric
That’s a fast moving fire, and yes, that sky does look apocalyptic. We finally have some rain settling in for the weekend which has put a lot of people at ease around here. I hope you guys get a similar reprieve which puts out those fires for good.
Monte Stevens
Glad you are getting much needed rain. Seems to be a lot people looking for rain. We are hoping for snow to begin falling this evening and into tomorrow. But first they say we will see winds pushing the fires farther east. They have issued more evacuations for Estes Park this morning as fires were active during the night due to winds.
Mark
Yikes Monte. Your photo certainly does communicate the ominous threat your state is facing. It is really hard to grasp that rate of spread – but wow. Hope you stay safe and certainly will be wishing for some major snowstorms to help.
Monte Stevens
One report I read said the fire passed over the Continental Divide by jumping 1.5 miles. That requires a 60 foot tree top to burst and the winds carry it a long way. Estes Park is now in a mandatory evacuation. Two deaths have been reported as an older couple decided to stay. It’s unsettling to so many of us out here. I’ve hiked and photographed in that area for many years, living here for most of 65 years.
Mark
Wow. Hope things continue to remain safe for you.
Monte Stevens
The snow and cold will help the firefighters but not put out the fire. Time and nature will do that.