Colorado is no stranger to wildfires. Many burn in the state’s high country,
leaving their marks on the forests of the Rocky Mountains. But this year, with the
Crystal Fires so close to Fort Collins and so early in the year, many are wondering
what the summer of 2011 might have in store for the wildfire season.
Governor John Hickenlooper was in Fort Collins yesterday for a press
conference after examining the Crystal Fires damage. After seeing the damage
firsthand, he spoke at the National Guard Armory on LaPorte Ave., and emphasized
a message of gratitude toward those who fight the flames. He also promised support.
“We are willing to provide immediate resources to Larimer County and to
these crews that do the real heavy lifting,” Hickenlooper said. “They are putting their
lives on the line to make sure the fire doesn’t get real out of hand. We are just very
grateful. There’s no way to express that.”
The Crystal Fires have burned more than 3,200 acres this week just west of
Fort Collins, but officials now say it is sixty percent contained. Still, even with the
governor’s promise for support, many students at Colorado State University also
worry about how close the flames have recently been to Fort Collins.
“Yeah it's really scary,” junior Kaylie Shannon said. “And the fact that it’s
starting so early makes it even more scary. We have a whole summer to worry now.
I just hope people do what they can to minimize the risk.”
Junior Brittany Mann agreed. “It's spring and that's when it's supposed to
rain the most so if the fires are starting in the rainy months then summer is going to
have even higher chances for fires since it will be dryer and hotter,” she said.
“In meteorological terms, I have not seen a satisfactory explanation of why
suddenly we’re having such a dramatically dry spring, and winter really,” the
governor said. “We are going to face a very difficult summer. I don’t think anybody
doubts.”
It’s that lack of a promise for weather to quench the dry conditions that
leaves some uneasy.
“I'm worried about what this summer will bring as far as fires, since it's so
hot already,” junior Kaitlyn McNamera said. “It's even more worrisome how close
they are to Fort Collins due to the higher amounts of wind we experience.”
As many worry, and watch the Crystal Fire threaten homes near Fort Collins,
the governor believes the state is prepared for the dry summer.
“We do have a state wildfire preparedness plan,” he said. “It’s in place. I think
we are as ready as we can be in terms of having contingencies laid out and plans in
place. But this is going to be a challenging summer and I think there’s going to be an
awful lot of heavy burden put on our emergency management teams around the
state.”
Nobody has been injured or died in the Crystal Fires. Fifteen homes have
been destroyed. Larimer County is now in a fire restriction until next month, but is
still permitting use of fire pits, grills and stoves in campsites as long as they are
contained.
Crews hope to have the fire contained before the new week begins. The
governor believes fighting this fire will help in preparation and understanding for
others to come.
“I think one of the keys to fighting fires, aside from just having to trust in the
providence of God to provide a little moisture and diminish the winds in some way
is to get out there early, understand a lay of the land and where are the greater
risks,” he said.
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