Meanwhile at High Park...
Post date: Jul 03, 2012 3:17:29 PM
06/21/12
On June 9th a lightning strike sparked a fire in the area of High Park near Fort Collins. The High Park Fire has now been raging for 12 days and has burned an estimated 68,200 acres and is only 55% contained. More than 180 structures have been lost so far and the current cost of the fire to date is estimated at $19.6 million dollars.
The High Park Fire is located approximately 15 miles west of Fort Collins and there is not one area of the community that hasn't been affected in some way. I have several friends who have been evacuated, some are now homeless and others still don’t know if they have homes to go back to.
The response from the community to this tragic event has been amazing. I applaud the efforts of Larimer County, the Colorado Red Cross, the Salvation Army and all the other service organizations that are assisting in the relief efforts. Below are links to more information about the High Park Fire and some ways in which you can help.
And a special thanks goes out to the 1,978 fire personnel, 18 helicopters and 135 engines who are fighting the fire 24-hours a day. Your hard work and dedication in helping this community is nothing short of inspiring.
Larimer County Emergency Information
Northern Colorado Red Cross : Monetary donations needed most.
Due to the lack of storage at their facility, the best way to help us assist with this fire right now is with a monetary donation to purchase food and other items as needed and as space allows.
Photos and Video from the National Guard of the High Park Fire are available at the following sites:
Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/conationalguard/sets/72157630072014657/
Video http://www.dvidshub.net/tags/video/high-park-fires#.T-IU7hfDf3R