Wildfire!! (many photos)

Colorado CJ

While out fishing with my nephew and my dad, we watched a wildfire start and build steadily in the mountains.


Wildfire-1 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

After getting back to the house, I grabbed my pack and headed out to see if I could get closer. The roads were all shut down going towards the fire, the police only allowing people to go in to get things out of their houses. I know of some mountain trails that could get me closer, so I parked the truck, threw on my pack and started hiking. After a few miles I got up on a ridge line and had a decent view. I could have went farther, but that would have meant a few more miles and a much longer hike back and it was already getting late.

This wildfire grew very quickly


Wildfire-2 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

Sure wouldn't want to live there


Wildfire-3 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

The wildland firefighters wasted no time. There were many different aircraft including spotter planes, skycrane helicopters, Airtractors, and P-2 firebombers. It is amazing watching the spotting planes guide the big bombers in, flying through nearly zero visibility conditions in and out of canyons. Must be a very exciting job!


Wildfire-4 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-5 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-6 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-7 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-8 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-9 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

I wish I could have got a little closer, atleast over the next ridge. It looks like it is sizing up to be a pretty bad wildfire season because of the light snow and very little rain. Hope the wildland firefighters get this one out soon.

seastack

Great photos, and I like the context in the first one.

seastack

Is this the High Park fire near Fort Collins? That one has gotten big, fast. 8,000 acres, zero containment, and 1600 prepare to evacuate notices.

Colorado CJ

Thanks. Yes, it is the High Park fire. It is burning an area I spend a lot of time in. The area is full of historic ranches, old cabins and some of the best riding trails around. The scenery is (or was :cry) breathtaking. High green pastures (parks) open range grazing with many small creeks and tons of wildlife.

It won't be the same for a very long time.

Juano

I just mountain biked in that area on Friday. I have friends that have been evacuated.