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The High Park fire near Fort Collins, CO is the largest in CO history. As of today it has destroyed 87,284 acres.
The containment is at 65% and the total personnel assigned at 1,805. This is Waldo Canyon though.

Firefighters on the Incline

While I sat at work today, a friend in Kenya called me to ask about the fires in Colorado. The mention of home was interesting in itself, but the fact that my state was making international news was appalling. While started by a lightning strike around 20 days ago, last I heard these fires were only 65% contained. Normally I can only imagine the devastation the fires have caused. However, pictures like this put it in gruesome perspective. The largest wildfire in Colorado history was the Hayman fire in 2002. It burned 138,114 acres.

During recent fires, such as the Fourmile, I can distinctly remember the soot covering cars and street lights, blanketing our suburban metropolis. It served as a constant reminder of nature's raw power.

While I don't see the soot here in Kenya, these fires and the path of their destruction (especially the High Park) are equally humbling, if not more so.

Most recently, the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs has already forced an evacuation of 32,000 from the city, and worried top government officials stationed at NORAD, the mountain bunker housing our nation's most important security communication equipment. As of today, it is only 5% contained, and has burned over 6,200 acres.

Even with the advancements and defenses we have in our world today, times like these slap you right in the face. Despite our best efforts, something tells me we will always be at the whims of mother nature.

Thank a firefighter when you've got time. I can only imagine the sacrifices they've made. You can find their most recent progress here. You can find ways to help here.

For everyone out there on the firelines, stay safe, keep fighting and be strong.

Scotty

Scary. Waldo Canyon Fire. The Air Force Academy can be seen in the foreground (compliments of FOX news). The High Park destruction is above.