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06/25/2012 11:44:40 AM · #26 |
| For all of our differences....I'm so very, very sorry to hear this Richard...be strong as I know you are and you will conquer...I can only hope that beautiful things will come from these ashes....Again let us know how we can help.... |
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06/25/2012 11:44:59 AM · #27 |
| Richard, very sorry to hear about this. |
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06/25/2012 11:57:15 AM · #28 |
Richard, there are no words.... Stay safe....
Message edited by author 2012-06-25 11:57:40. |
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06/25/2012 12:41:27 PM · #29 |
| Heartbreaking news, Richard. I'm so relieved you are ok, and managed to get at least some of your equipment out of the house. We (DPC) just helped someone halfway around the world beat cancer. We're here for you too. |
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06/25/2012 02:03:48 PM · #30 |
I'm so sorry for you loss, as you already know we were both going through similar situations this last weekend, I was hoping yours would have a happy ending a like ours did. It was a thought provoking experience thinking about what I would take and what I would be leaving behind to potentially get destroyed when we were evacuated on Friday. It makes you realize what is truly important in your life. Take care my heart goes out to you and your family.
Unfortunately this is just the start of the devastation that is to come this year. The Mountain behind our house is burned black, but there is plenty more dry vegetation to catch fire and it doesn't take much, ours was started by target shooters. The governor said that he hopes people will use more common sense when target shooting but there is no way to ban shooting even temporarily. Where I live in Utah there are currently 4 wildfires burning, the one by our home is still burning but no longer a threat to homes. Colorado where Richard is has several. I'm sure many other states in the west are sure to follow. Stay safe everyone!
Message edited by author 2012-06-25 14:04:31. |
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06/25/2012 02:22:05 PM · #31 |
This is shocking news that I'm very sad to hear. It's a great fear of mine, and I can only say how happy I am that you and your family are safe and you're staying positive about things.
Without speculating on something that may turn out to be bad news, I hope the existence of your gallery has meant your years of photographing and showcasing your region is intact physically as well as digitally.
If I weren't relocating to the states myself I'd say this is a great time to visit Germany, but sadly I can't take you in right now.
All the best. |
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06/25/2012 02:25:41 PM · #32 |
Originally posted by sjhuls:
I'm so sorry for you loss, as you already know we were both going through similar situations this last weekend, I was hoping yours would have a happy ending a like ours did. It was a thought provoking experience thinking about what I would take and what I would be leaving behind to potentially get destroyed when we were evacuated on Friday. It makes you realize what is truly important in your life. Take care my heart goes out to you and your family.
Unfortunately this is just the start of the devastation that is to come this year. The Mountain behind our house is burned black, but there is plenty more dry vegetation to catch fire and it doesn't take much, ours was started by target shooters. The governor said that he hopes people will use more common sense when target shooting but there is no way to ban shooting even temporarily. Where I live in Utah there are currently 4 wildfires burning, the one by our home is still burning but no longer a threat to homes. Colorado where Richard is has several. I'm sure many other states in the west are sure to follow. Stay safe everyone! |
Thanks, Jenn and everyone else for the caring comments. We are still evacuated from neighborhood due to ongoing crime scene investigation. The person, who is a person of interest, is saying the wildfire came at him, not from his activities. We'll wait for the investigators to identify source/starting point of the fire.
We are desperately dry and the temps are high. There will be more fires until rain (or snow) falls. |
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06/25/2012 02:33:59 PM · #33 |
Originally posted by hahn23:
Originally posted by sjhuls:
I'm so sorry for you loss, as you already know we were both going through similar situations this last weekend, I was hoping yours would have a happy ending a like ours did. It was a thought provoking experience thinking about what I would take and what I would be leaving behind to potentially get destroyed when we were evacuated on Friday. It makes you realize what is truly important in your life. Take care my heart goes out to you and your family.
Unfortunately this is just the start of the devastation that is to come this year. The Mountain behind our house is burned black, but there is plenty more dry vegetation to catch fire and it doesn't take much, ours was started by target shooters. The governor said that he hopes people will use more common sense when target shooting but there is no way to ban shooting even temporarily. Where I live in Utah there are currently 4 wildfires burning, the one by our home is still burning but no longer a threat to homes. Colorado where Richard is has several. I'm sure many other states in the west are sure to follow. Stay safe everyone! |
Thanks, Jenn and everyone else for the caring comments. We are still evacuated from neighborhood due to ongoing crime scene investigation. The person, who is a person of interest, is saying the wildfire came at him, not from his activities. We'll wait for the investigators to identify source/starting point of the fire.
We are desperately dry and the temps are high. There will be more fires until rain (or snow) falls. |
I was telling people in January that this ws going to be an absolutely horrid fire season. This is the driest I've seen it since 94 or so. The Colorado was at peak a month ago, that is bad news considering it doesn't usually hit peak til July or so. The flat tops have been accessible since late March, most years you can't get up to Meadow lake until late may or June.
I knew it would be a rough year for this and I'm terribly sorry you got caught in the web Richard. I live all the way on the West Slope but still let me know if I can help. I work for Xcel so if you need some help or advice dealing with utilities or something let me know. I may not have an answer but I can find out who does. |
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06/25/2012 04:16:26 PM · #34 |
It's been a bad year already, with many new fires starting just this weekend alone. One started close to where I was backpacking over the weekend, as well. My home is bathed in smoke from the fires and it rains ash, but there is fortunately no imminent danger for me.
These fires have already effected many that I know, and my condolences go to Richard and all the other unfortunate victims.
I fear for the Redfeather area. I've spent huge amounts of time in the backcountry there, and if the fire really spreads into that area, it will be unfightable due to the accumulated fuel, both new beetle killed forest and huge amounts of fallen timber from decades past. It is literally a tinderbox with the forest leading right up to all of the properties in very rugged terrain.
It's been triple digits with very low humidity already; I fear for the long summer Coloradoans have ahead of us. |
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06/25/2012 04:57:40 PM · #35 |
| Oh, Richard, I am so sorry to hear this. I hope somehow something good comes out of it. |
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06/25/2012 05:19:44 PM · #36 |
| Richard - so very very sorry to hear not only of the loss of your home but I'm sure you are also devastated by the loss to the trees, flowers and wildlife you love so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers. |
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06/25/2012 05:29:24 PM · #37 |
| terrible news Richard, I am so sorry. But I know you will rebuild and come out of it stronger than ever. We had some pretty bad fires here in San Diego area a few years ago, and as awful as it sounds, some people whose homes were spared then now envy those who had to rebuild because they live in newer bigger better houses now. You have your health, your gear, and your archive. You'll be back! |
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06/25/2012 11:19:32 PM · #38 |
| Wow, so sorry to read this. I am glad to hear that you and your family are ok. My thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and comfort. |
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06/26/2012 12:00:14 AM · #39 |
| So very sorry, Richard. I will be thinking of you, your family, and everyone else who has lost their home as you get through the next few days and weeks. Take care. |
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06/26/2012 04:14:08 AM · #40 |
| My goodness, sorry to read this Richard... my thoughts are with you and your family. I'm glad you are all good and safe! We have seen many fires here every year, but nothing was nearly as frightening as what you must have been through. |
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06/26/2012 05:21:47 AM · #41 |
This is such shocking news Richard I really feel for you, but like you said you are safe. I wish you only the best, keep your spirits up.
Message edited by author 2012-06-26 05:25:26. |
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06/26/2012 09:26:02 AM · #42 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
It's been a bad year already, with many new fires starting just this weekend alone. One started close to where I was backpacking over the weekend, as well. My home is bathed in smoke from the fires and it rains ash, but there is fortunately no imminent danger for me.
These fires have already effected many that I know, and my condolences go to Richard and all the other unfortunate victims.
I fear for the Redfeather area. I've spent huge amounts of time in the backcountry there, and if the fire really spreads into that area, it will be unfightable due to the accumulated fuel, both new beetle killed forest and huge amounts of fallen timber from decades past. It is literally a tinderbox with the forest leading right up to all of the properties in very rugged terrain.
It's been triple digits with very low humidity already; I fear for the long summer Coloradoans have ahead of us. |
Question??? Here in Florida they do control burn fires all year long, especially during our wetter season(s) (obviously in different areas of the park system)...do you have those out West? It's not so much for getting rid of old vegetation as it is for the ecosystem. But in my opinion it takes care of both (well at least some of it), it does help to reduce our tinder for sure. Our early spring is the worst time of the year for fires. It's so very dry, even here in Florida. I've been out West during the summertime...it's brutally hot and dry for sure.... |
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06/26/2012 10:29:09 AM · #43 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
It's been a bad year already, with many new fires starting just this weekend alone. One started close to where I was backpacking over the weekend, as well. My home is bathed in smoke from the fires and it rains ash, but there is fortunately no imminent danger for me.
These fires have already effected many that I know, and my condolences go to Richard and all the other unfortunate victims.
I fear for the Redfeather area. I've spent huge amounts of time in the backcountry there, and if the fire really spreads into that area, it will be unfightable due to the accumulated fuel, both new beetle killed forest and huge amounts of fallen timber from decades past. It is literally a tinderbox with the forest leading right up to all of the properties in very rugged terrain.
It's been triple digits with very low humidity already; I fear for the long summer Coloradoans have ahead of us. |
Question??? Here in Florida they do control burn fires all year long, especially during our wetter season(s) (obviously in different areas of the park system)...do you have those out West? It's not so much for getting rid of old vegetation as it is for the ecosystem. But in my opinion it takes care of both (well at least some of it), it does help to reduce our tinder for sure. Our early spring is the worst time of the year for fires. It's so very dry, even here in Florida. I've been out West during the summertime...it's brutally hot and dry for sure.... |
They do Janine, but unfortunately the management theory for a very long time was "stop all wildfires, especially those that are close to homes".. Unfortunately, now, this has led to the current conditions where record breaking fires are starting to burn, and there is really no good way to re-create the natural burn scar patterns that historically protected us from catastrophic fires.
The key is that the smaller fires in this environment created burn scars that acted as natural fire breaks - unfortunately, those breaks have all now filled up with fuel, and are now no longer able to mitigate the fires. Additionally, now if a controlled burn is started, the risk of it jumping into an inhabited area and doing damage is high enough that I'm sure they really hesitate to employ this option in many places.
So, what's left then? Not many options, the most productive is the inviting of locals to gather firewood, but that doesn't really help a whole bunch, and unfortunately, also leads to an increased fire risk.
Sad as it is, I'm afraid it would seem that we are simply going to have to accept that we will see a number of these types of fires for a while, until nature restores the balance that once prevented large and devastating fires like this from occurring. |
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06/26/2012 10:51:01 AM · #44 |
Originally posted by Cory:
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
It's been a bad year already, with many new fires starting just this weekend alone. One started close to where I was backpacking over the weekend, as well. My home is bathed in smoke from the fires and it rains ash, but there is fortunately no imminent danger for me.
These fires have already effected many that I know, and my condolences go to Richard and all the other unfortunate victims.
I fear for the Redfeather area. I've spent huge amounts of time in the backcountry there, and if the fire really spreads into that area, it will be unfightable due to the accumulated fuel, both new beetle killed forest and huge amounts of fallen timber from decades past. It is literally a tinderbox with the forest leading right up to all of the properties in very rugged terrain.
It's been triple digits with very low humidity already; I fear for the long summer Coloradoans have ahead of us. |
Question??? Here in Florida they do control burn fires all year long, especially during our wetter season(s) (obviously in different areas of the park system)...do you have those out West? It's not so much for getting rid of old vegetation as it is for the ecosystem. But in my opinion it takes care of both (well at least some of it), it does help to reduce our tinder for sure. Our early spring is the worst time of the year for fires. It's so very dry, even here in Florida. I've been out West during the summertime...it's brutally hot and dry for sure.... |
They do Janine, but unfortunately the management theory for a very long time was "stop all wildfires, especially those that are close to homes".. Unfortunately, now, this has led to the current conditions where record breaking fires are starting to burn, and there is really no good way to re-create the natural burn scar patterns that historically protected us from catastrophic fires.
The key is that the smaller fires in this environment created burn scars that acted as natural fire breaks - unfortunately, those breaks have all now filled up with fuel, and are now no longer able to mitigate the fires. Additionally, now if a controlled burn is started, the risk of it jumping into an inhabited area and doing damage is high enough that I'm sure they really hesitate to employ this option in many places.
So, what's left then? Not many options, the most productive is the inviting of locals to gather firewood, but that doesn't really help a whole bunch, and unfortunately, also leads to an increased fire risk.
Sad as it is, I'm afraid it would seem that we are simply going to have to accept that we will see a number of these types of fires for a while, until nature restores the balance that once prevented large and devastating fires like this from occurring. |
Well, even in Florida with the control fires there is little control (or so it seems)...if a fire is started it will burn...totally agree with your assessment... |
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06/26/2012 12:22:30 PM · #45 |
How devastating Richard. If you can think of a way that this community can help you please let us know.
You are in my thoughts. Be safe
Jane |
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06/26/2012 01:47:14 PM · #46 |
| Really sorry to hear this sad news Richard. Glad that you and your family are safe. Will be watching the forums to see if there is anything DPC can do to help. Take care. |
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06/26/2012 02:32:49 PM · #47 |
I know we don't get along on dpc but good luck to you with this disaster. Happened here with the big hurricane. Let me know if you need anything. If I can help, I will.
Originally posted by hahn23:
We lost our home in the Estes Park wildfire. Am currently evacuated from neighborhood. I have photos of the wildfire disaster and will post tomorrow when I can commandeer someone's computer. Typing this on my iPhone. For us, it's a huge setback. We are in shock and are filled with fear and depression. We still have our health. |
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06/26/2012 04:35:55 PM · #48 |
Richard,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are going through this. We have had a lot of smoke here, but that is all.
So I have posted the following drive for my local business(In Longmont):
"Donate Today!
%50 of all sessions booked from now until July 10th will go to the Colorado Red Cross for the Fire disasters (or a charity of your choice that is helping victims). Call or email to set up your session."
If there are any other ideas let me know. I have donated to silent auctions, but haven't run them. It would be cool if the DPC had an auction with their photography or something, but I can't wrap my head around it.
Message edited by author 2012-06-26 16:39:37. |
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06/26/2012 05:29:18 PM · #49 |
Originally posted by Cory:
They do Janine, but unfortunately the management theory for a very long time was "stop all wildfires, especially those that are close to homes".. Unfortunately, now, this has led to the current conditions where record breaking fires are starting to burn, and there is really no good way to re-create the natural burn scar patterns that historically protected us from catastrophic fires.
The key is that the smaller fires in this environment created burn scars that acted as natural fire breaks - unfortunately, those breaks have all now filled up with fuel, and are now no longer able to mitigate the fires. Additionally, now if a controlled burn is started, the risk of it jumping into an inhabited area and doing damage is high enough that I'm sure they really hesitate to employ this option in many places.
So, what's left then? Not many options, the most productive is the inviting of locals to gather firewood, but that doesn't really help a whole bunch, and unfortunately, also leads to an increased fire risk.
Sad as it is, I'm afraid it would seem that we are simply going to have to accept that we will see a number of these types of fires for a while, until nature restores the balance that once prevented large and devastating fires like this from occurring. |
Cory has summed it up nicely, and they actually do a fair amount of controlled burns here in Colorado, or at least as much as is feasible. The accumulated fuel from the suppression approach is a huge part of the problem though. The failings of this approach were largely realized after the gigantic wildfire in Yellowstone, and since that time, things have changed. The state of Colorado had explicitly stated this year that they would be letting fires run some if they weren't threatening houses, for instance. But there are other things that have increased fire danger. One which many have heard of is beetle kill, which is large swathes of forest which are standing dead due to pine borers (a type of beetle that bores into the trunk and kills the tree). Huge attempts have been made to limit the spread of the beetle, including spraying and timber removal, but it's sorta like trying to keeping a leaking boat afloat with a coffee cup, not a bucket. Much of the forest is on rugged terrain that makes limited removal efforts extremely difficult and costly, so such mitigation only goes so far. Our forests are dying.
Another thing is that historically, large parts of the forest were cut, eliminating all old growth. What often returned after these episodes was densely packed small trunk trees, which are not as fire resistant and also tend to be more choked with understory. The forests we have today are largely not what they were before.
There are also more houses in more areas that abut to forest areas, so more people in general are at risk to the outcomes of these fires. In some areas, (Redfeather is one of them) people often do not have any fire perimeter surrounding their house, either, which just further exacerbates things.
Lastly, our snowpack was pretty light this year, and our spring has been particularly warm. These two things mean that there was less water in the highcountry to begin with, which also means less water for the rest of the state later in the year, but it also means humidity has been very low, vegetation did not stay green nearly so long, and the state as a whole is more susceptible to uncontrollable fires.
There isn't really a simple solution, and the weather certainly is just putting additional pressure on things.
Message edited by author 2012-06-26 17:29:34. |
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06/26/2012 06:25:13 PM · #50 |
Richard,
So sorry to hear about your misfortune. I wish you and your family the best. We suffered a natural disaster here not too many years ago, so I can only imagine what you are dealing with. |
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