The winds have been relentless the past 5 days causing the Cameron Peak fire to rage. Then yesterday afternoon another fire erupted west of Boulder. Because of the wind and dry conditions that fire has grown rapidly. It is called the Calwood fire and as of last night just over 7,000 acres in size. Thankfully, this morning it is 36 degrees and we have a slight drizzle falling. Hoping the fire is getting some of this. One of the facts many miss on these forest fires is that man does not put them out. We do our best to keep fuel away from the flames and rely on nature to do most of the work.
The image above of the Cameron Peak fire was taken less than a mile from my condo along Centre Avenue. The lights in the foreground are from patio homes belonging to a residential nursing facility. The ridge you see is Horsetooth Park, a favorite recreational area for hiking and mountain biking, while the the fire is burning on the second ridge beyond it. Lots of homes back in that area. I’m going to guess the fire perimeter is 5-7 miles away from me. My two favorite natural areas are now closed due to smoke, so I walk the neighborhood. The Cameron Peak Fire is now at 203,000 acres. Enjoy your Sunday!
4 Comments
Earl
Grim news on the fires, Monte. That photo brings it home. I’m hoping the colder temps and moisture you mentioned is the beginning of the end for the current fires. Stay safe.
Monte Stevens
It’s’ cold again this morning and good humidity. They are not predicting moisture until later in the week but more high winds and lower humidity. Another fire began yesterday in Boulder County called the Lefthand Canyon fire. I want to stay away from news and bury my head in the sand! That’ll make it go away. 😀
Cedric
Very dramatic image Monte. I hope these fires end soon for you and all concerned. We’re having a very dry Spring and nature is looking very parched here. Hopefully we don’t get more fires ourselves. All the best mate.
Monte Stevens
I hope they subside also. I just met a friend at a park for lunch and we can see the smoke but not really smell it. The fires still burn. They have another one in Boulder County now in Left Hand Canyon. Sheesh! Personnel that were sent to the Calwood fire have returned to the Cameron Peak fire which is now at over 205,000 acres. We could see moisture on Thursday and Sunday. Crossing our fingers.