Every summer Colorado experiences a long string of wildfires turning everything in its path to ashes. This year, Colorado is experiencing the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history. This fire is in the Black Forest which is the largest stretch of ponderosa pine in the United States. So far this fire has killed 2 people, destroyed 360 homes, and caused 38,000 people to evacuate the area. Fire fighters are having a hard time containing the Black Forest due to severe heat and windy conditions.
One of the residents, whose home was engulfed in flames, voiced that, “his family took every precaution to keep his house and family safe.” He cut down 20 trees, cleared out brush surrounding his house and he also but a fire-resistant roof on the house. Even these precautions did not stop his house from being destroyed.
Firefighters have had trouble containing the fire for many different reasons. The Fire chief said, “Wind is probably our number one threat. It is what has been the game changer.” Winds as well as brush have caused tremendous problems. Piles of pine needles and grass fuel can have smoldering fires hidden for days underneath then suddenly they with explode with flames.
The saddest part is the 2 found dead were in their garage loading things into their car in attempts to flee. You have to be prepared or, in this case, you just have to leave everything behind. I can only imagine how hard it is to leave all of your belongings behind. However, your safety is the most important thing!
Sources:
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/13/18932265-colorado-wildfires-destroy-more-than-350-homes-force-evacuations?lite
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/wildfire-scorches-colorado-found-dead-article-1.1372532
