wildfire:

 

Even though we are no longer living in Colorado I keep up on what is happening out there. Currently they are plagued with wildfires that are destroying thousands of acres. We were evacuated in 2018 around this time of year for the Spring wildfire. It burned 107,000, acres and we were out of our home for 15 days. We were blessed because after the evacuation time we had a home to return to.  Others were not as fortunate as it burned 141 structures and left only ash.

The Weather Service measured the temperature 1/4 mile from our house at 4,200, degrees. We were right in the heart of the burn area and our home and property were the only one in the vicinity spared. I remember the horrors of that fire like it was today. We tried to evacuate the day before when it was safer to do so but one of our dogs couldn't get in the truck due to a disability and when we finally got him in the truck the message we got was it was then to dangerous to evacuate. 

Noon the following day the sheriff told us it was safe to evacuate and we loaded up and headed out. We were driving through embers and sounded like hail hitting the truck and we could not see through the thick smoke where the road was. About half way we encounter a fire fighter who told us the fire had closed the road behind us and it left us no choice but to go forward. 

Everything on both sides of the road was burning and the drivers door was so hot I had to move away from it. Our dogs had large saucer eyes and stayed in the center of the truck. Carol was in the Jeep a few feet behind me and couldn't see the emergency flashers on the truck, but we both managed to get out safely. As I see the photos of the current wildfires those memories are vivid and I feel for those going through it today. 

Those fighting the wildfires are some very brave people and God Bless them for what they do. Some of our neighbors we did not see again. rather than rebuild they simply left leaving their dream behind. Thanks to the Red Cross as they fed us, gave us necessary clothes and toiletries and kept us safe. I saw and felt the anguish on my neighbors faces and as they silently moved on. Wildfires can seriously change or destroy lives. Please pray for those going through the experience right now.