Forest Fire - City on Fire!

[Bob Cowan]

Some of you may be watching the news. The fire out here suddenly - and I do mean suddenly - took a terrible turn for the worse. The fire had been burning in the hills behind the city. This afternoon around 1600, the winds picked up, and shifted. Within no time at all, homes were in danger. Soon after, homes were gone.

Our neighborhood is under a forced evacuation. Along with about 35,000 others, we are temporarily homeless. Fortunately, I just can't see the fire getting to my street. It's certainly possible, but would take a rather extreme set of circumstances. I truly believe my house is safe.

I would have driven the Roadster away, but I took the engine out a couple of days ago for a clutch issue. I'm not worried, it will be fine.

Michele is a bit panicked, though.

You can find more pictures and videos here: Forest Fire Colorado Springs pictures by bobcowan - Photobucket


At around 1700 hrs, this is what I saw from my bedroom window.



By 1900, it looked more like this


At one point, the smoke was so thick, you couldn't see more than 50 yards


It made me sad to see some one's home go up in flames


Things are calm now. The wind has died down. You can still see some homes burning on the hill side, but most of the fires have moved into unpopulated areas.

[Stinson Pilot]

Damn...that sucks. Glad you guys are ok.

My wife and I are coming to that area in August for vacation.

[TimC]

At least you guys are safe. Glad to hear it doesn't look quite as bad for you.
Factory Five is probably building some roadsters right now if the worse was to happen.

[Cory]

I was just ready the latest news. I wish for the best possible outcome for your area. Reminds me of the SD wildfires back in 2003.

[dallas_]

Bob, that really sucks. Glad to hear yours doesn't seem to be too much at risk. It must be terrible to lose a home. Plus it takes years for the burned areas to grow back, especially in such a dry climate. That area won't look the same for a long time. My brother lived in Manitu for years and I still have family in the Denver area. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Someday I Suppose]

Bob, scary stuff for sure, good to hear you guys are out and safe, and that the house should be fine. Keep us posted.

-Scott

[mrmustang]

Bob,

Having lived through a house fire, I know some of the anxiety that you must be feeling. However, ours was sudden and we were not home, I cannot imagine what it is like seeing a wall of flames and smoke get closer and closer as I am forced to leave. Thankfully you and your family are safe, your lives cannot be replaced........

Our prayers are with you and your neighbors.


Bill S.

[dukegrad98]

Wow, Bob, thanks for posting -- scary stuff for sure. I have a place in Breckenridge, so I'm always watching the fire news.

In fact, I'll be in Breck by Thursday night for vacation. If you're still evacuated and homeless at that point and you need a weekend in the mountains, give me a call or an e-mail or a PM. Pretty sure there's an extra bedroom or two available for a Cobra guy.

Cheers, John

[kelownacobra]

Hope everything will be ok for you, Bob.

As Cory said, it reminds me of the fire we had here in Kelowna in '03. Something like 60000 acres of forest and 200-300 houses destroyed. We were evacuated twice and the first time I was sure I was watching our house burn that night, but it was fine in the end. From your pictures, we had a lot more trees to fuel the fires than it looks like in your area, so that's got to be a good thing. It was a very eerie time that I won't soon forget, during the day you couldn't see anything because of the smoke,but you could hear the helicopters and water bombers, and at night the hills lite up and you could watch each tree candle up as the fire reached it. A friend was with emergency services then and told me as they drove through evacuated neighbourhoods, they watched the fire creep from home to home by means of bark mulch landscaping. Houses don't get build with cedar roofs or use barkmulch near the house anymore.

Be safe, Jim.

[Bob Cowan]

Thanx for all your good wishes and thoughts. Lots of people have lost so much in such a short period of time, it's just heart breaking.

No mention of new evacuation areas at the moment. Unfortunately, no mention of when we can go home. Hopefully, it will be soon.

We seem to be pretty safe for now. Not many trees in our neighborhood, and that's a good thing. Air quality is poor, as you would expect. Visibility is about a mile or so.

And, John, that is a very generous offer. From the bottom of my heart, I do thank you.

As for the forest, this is the natural course of things. Part of the life cycle of a forest is fire. It cleans out the old trees and brush, and allows new growth. Some pine tree seeds cannot germinate until they've been exposed to fire. Pine beetles are such a problem in the US only because we have been fighting forest fires too aggressively. It does destroy the beauty we enjoy so much, but that's the way life is.

[crash]

Originally Posted by Bob Cowan

As for the forest, this is the natural course of things. Part of the life cycle of a forest is fire. It cleans out the old trees and brush, and allows new growth. Some pine tree seeds cannot germinate until they've been exposed to fire. Pine beetles are such a problem in the US only because we have been fighting forest fires too aggressively. It does destroy the beauty we enjoy so much, but that's the way life is.

I'm really glad you understand this and have this view. You are 100% correct.

For the record, no one can force you to leave your property. Have a plan, and execute it when needed if you live in an area that has a natural tendency to burn.

I did in 03...and watched THOUSANDS of my neighbors houses burn. I am even more prepared today than I was then.

[Riptide Motorsport]

Fire is the worst...don't mess with it.....go away and come back when its gone.

[AC Bill]

Very scary stuff Bob! I'll pray you can go back home soon, and all is A-OK.

Did you leave a sprinkler going on the roof, or in the yard? I have heard of some doing this to prevent embers from starting a fire, even if the fire is still quite far away. I suppose that would be an advantage in staying home, in that you could hose down the house, yard, and surrounding landscape. Allowing that you could still breath of course..

[crash]

Originally Posted by Riptide Motorsport

Fire is the worst...don't mess with it.....go away and come back when its gone.

I'm sorry, but I see your respone akin to Lisa's about a gun. IMHO, one should understand the issue, confront it, and work with the facts of life.

Just as you "think ahead" about using, or not using a firearm/weapon, one should think ahead about where their house is located, what the potential dangers to it are, and how to deal with possible scenarios.

If you do this, and then have a limit set where you will be leaving the area, great, but to just ignore the issue and say that you will just leave anytime there is a fire close by...well, you might want to ask some of my neighbors...and former neighbors, their opinions on that.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying someone should stay at their house if it is threatened by fire and they have no plan, and have no idea what to do. I am saying that EVERYONE that lives in an area that could cause their property to be threatened by fire, or whatever, should understand this and have a plan of how to deal with it.

If they don't, as many of my neighbors didn't, then they reap what they sow. They have no right to complain and have a pity party when all their stuff is burned up, or flooded, or whatever. It's not my responsibility that someone builds their house in the middle of a forest, or a flood plane, or a hurricane corridor, or...and I shouldn't be forced to pay for their lack of forethought and planning.

Rant off.

Sorry Bob, not trying to hijack, but obviously, this is a bit of a pet peave of mine.

Hope your property was prepared and that all your stuff is intact.

[crash]

Originally Posted by AC Bill

Very scary stuff Bob! I'll pray you can go back home soon, and all is A-OK.

Did you leave a sprinkler going on the roof, or in the yard? I have heard of some doing this to prevent embers from starting a fire, even if the fire is still quite far away. I suppose that would be an advantage in staying home, in that you could hose down the house, yard, and surrounding landscape. Allowing that you could still breath of course..

When I stayed to defend my property I used something that most of us have around our shops to allow me to breath...a paint respirator. So long as you have a good filter on it-one that will filter paint fumes will do the trick- you should be fine.

As far as the garden hose goes...while I had a 1.5 inch line on a hydrant for my property, after my area was secure, I went to a couple of my neighbors houses that were in danger of burning and was AMAZED by what I could do with just a garden hose. I couldn't really put much out, but I was very effective at using the hose to limit the spread and to keep things from getting started.

The first thing I did, both on my house, and my neighbors, is to spray water into the eve and dormer vents. While the potential for a bit of water damage is there, it pales in comparison to losing the entire house.

Also, on my house, I had previously put fine mesh metal window screen material over the 1/4 inch mesh on these vents on my house. This keeps any large particles from getting into the attic space.

BTW- There is a product called "Barricade" that is a retardent that you can buy if you think ahead about the possibility of wild fire. It is basically the goo from baby diapers that sucks up all the moisture. You spray this on your house, and it basically wraps it in moisture.

I have a metal shingle roof and stucco, but as others mentioned, I watched neighbors houses with fire resistent materials burn due to the ground cover that was chosen. Bark, plants, and anything else that may be flammable must be kept away from the bottoms of walls. There are weep holes at the bottom of stuccoed walls, and fire can go right up and into these holes.

Educate yourselves about how fire travels, what your buildings weaknesses are, and HAVE A PLAN, and no ones home should burn from a wildfire.

[AC Bill]

More pictures and info on this terrible fire..Un-effing-believable.

The pictures really reminds me of the fire Kelownacobra (Jim) was mentioning.

Colorado Waldo Canyon wildfires intensify forcing 32,000 to flee their homes | News | National Post

[kelownacobra]

Those are some pretty scary pictures Bill. I sure hope some of all the rain we've been having the last few weeks finds it's way to the fires.

What I remember from our fire was how intensly the fire burns. I drove through Crawford Estates shortly after the fires past and was amazed at how little of a house was left. There was a foundation and generally a waterheater and that was it. No pile of nails, joist hangers, wiring, etc. I heard of people putting sprinklers on the roof and causing flood damage from it that insurance wouldn't cover. I really don't think with the speed these fires can move at (they create their own wind) and the intensity of the burn, that a house can be saved if fire comes calling. Sure you can prevent some scenarios with embers jumping rooftops and such, but if a wall of flames approaches, you're not going to stop it. Besides, there is nothing in my house that I can't take with me that is worth my life to defend. I lost more that I couldn't replace when my hard drive crashed. I remember people putting their good china in the bottom of the swimming pool to save it, and it worked.

One neighbourhood here had the fire pick and chose which houses burned and when people went back were so thankful that they still had a house, until all the burned down houses were rebuilt and suddenly they had the 30 year old house in a brand new neighbourhood.

Please keep us informed, Bob.

Thinking about all involved, Jim.

[crash]

Originally Posted by kelownacobra

Sure you can prevent some scenarios with embers jumping rooftops and such, but if a wall of flames approaches, you're not going to stop it. Besides, there is nothing in my house that I can't take with me that is worth my life to defend.

Words from an individual who has not lost his home to fire. Talk to the people from my neighborhood that have rebuilt, and those that no longer are here because they couldn't rebuild, and I would guess that 90%+ would NOT leave if they had it to do over again.

The 2003 Cedar fire was Santa Ana wind driven. That would be 70-100 MPH winds BEFORE taking into account the winds the fire created. The wind is THE problem in all these fires that get seriously out of control. Fuel load, winds, humidity and a spark...when they are all present in th right form, NO ONE is going to stop that fire...but you can still protect your property if you plan ahead.

Which brings up the point that the only thing we can manage that will really effect how these fires occur is FUEL LOAD. More prescribed burns during the winter months MUST BE DONE. Without them, it is just a matter of time before the next catastrophy.

Again, as long as you have a plan, and you have included a last resort, combustible free area that you can retreat to, there will be no risk to your life from a fire. Again, EDUCATE and PLAN.

[Terrorist Hunter]

Bob, we are watching from halfway around the world in awe. Our prayers are going out to you and all of your neighbors, hopefully you are able to return to your home soon and start airing it out so you can move on from this tragedy.

-TH

[ETriggs]

If prepared, everything material is replaceable. Lives are not. If you are in the path of the fire, get you, your kids, and animals out of the way and let the beast take what it wants. When you fight an uncontrolled fire, you will lose.

[tom elliott]

Colorado, my all time favorite vacation spot. Grand kids live in Loveland area. Estes park to Pueblo(several trips to NSRA) Will not be going this year, wife is flying out to get great grand- daughter for vacation here, wish we could get all the little ones out of the smoke. I'm not one to trust to luck, but I wish you all there is. Your pictures hit home much more than the news broadcast have. be safe.

[Joe T]

Bob,

I'm North Metro area, but if you guys need a place to crash, we have an extra room you're more than welcome to. let me know

Joe 720- 3 one 5- nine 724

[NAGA]

My neice in The Springs said the smoke was so thick on her way home from work it was like a Winter white-out. It cleared as she approached her house and she could see Pikes Peak for a while but then it moved in on her.
Freaking incredible.

d

[Bob Cowan]

We're back! Part of the evacuation area was opened up again at 2000 hrs today. Fire never touched our neighborhood. But, we were visited by looters and "trespassers". Fortunatly, my and my neighbors property was untouched.

Me: Do you have business in my neighborhood?
Them: We're just looking around.
Me: Maybe you should look around somewhere else.
Them: We'll be back
Me: Bring a body bag.

Funny how your words carry more impact when you have a shotgun in your hand.

Anyway, tonight I can't see any flames on the hill sides. Unfortunately, other people can. It's not over yet. Over 300 homes have been destroyed, and hundreds more are under the gun. For them, it is a tragedy. For me it was ..... an inconvenience. I wish them the very best.

[Wade Chamberlain]

Glad you're safe, Bob.

[Zulu]

Glad it worked out , was hoping to read good news from you.

[Someday I Suppose]

Bob, good to hear you are back and the house is safe. I wish I could say unbelieveable on the looters, but sounds like you delt with them well. :-)

-Scott

[Big-Foot]

Glad you guys are okay Bob....

Good on-ya with the shotgun and the message to the would-be thieves...

[crash]

Originally Posted by Bob Cowan

We're back! Part of the evacuation area was opened up again at 2000 hrs today. Fire never touched our neighborhood. But, we were visited by looters and "trespassers". Fortunatly, my and my neighbors property was untouched.

Me: Do you have business in my neighborhood?
Them: We're just looking around.
Me: Maybe you should look around somewhere else.
Them: We'll be back
Me: Bring a body bag.

Funny how your words carry more impact when you have a shotgun in your hand.

Anyway, tonight I can't see any flames on the hill sides. Unfortunately, other people can. It's not over yet. Over 300 homes have been destroyed, and hundreds more are under the gun. For them, it is a tragedy. For me it was ..... an inconvenience. I wish them the very best.

Yep, when staying on my property it struck me how differently many of the LEOs approached me and dealt with me. It was VERY apparent which ones had been "around the block" a few times, and those that were wet behind the ears. In all cases we both thanked each other, when it was all said and done, for helping protect the neighborhood. A guy was arrested just about a half mile away from my place for looting. LEO coverage was great, and SO much better prepared for this kind of incident than the FD. I did go off my property to help out at neighbors places, but made sure to be unarmed and everything in plain sight in the back of my truck. I was stopped once and searched, but after he ran the plates, it was all good.

As you have discovered, staying on your property during a catastrophic event is not just about protecting from the fire/flood/earthquake/whatever.

There are some real dirt bags out there...and may be living a lot closer to you than you think.