Update on Colorado wildfires

After our post yesterday we got inundated with love, safe wishes, and desires to help.

First, please know that we are totally safe. We are 65 miles north of the fire.

It is smokey this morning and you can smell the fire. Also, we are in between the fire and where the plane tankers refuel and get fire fighting supplies, so the tankers fly right over our house.

It's heartbreaking.

For those of you who have connected with us or just want to know, here is the latest from the county Sheriff:

Two people have died

15,7000 acres burned

379 homes burned to the ground

38,000 people and 13,000 homes have been evacuated

I have read wonderful stories of animals being rescued and very sad stories of animals that did not make it. The great news is that companion animals are being treated like family, and if families were not able to gather their animals in time, volunteers went back to go get them.

If you would like to help the local humane society working so hard to support those affected, here is their information:

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (719) 473-1741
610 Abbott Lane COS, CO 80905 / info@hsppr.org
https://www.hsppr.org/ 

Even if you think you will never have to evacuate, PLEASE read our last post. Mike and I think it's just a good idea to have a plan.

Thank you for reading and thank you for your concern.
 

"You have 30 minutes to leave"

If you pay attention to national news you have probably heard of the out of control wildfires in Colorado, especially the Black Forest fire northeast of Colorado Springs. To give you an idea of how horrible this fire is, yesterday at this time we were being told that 92 homes had burned to the ground and right now the number is at 300. UPDATE: Just after I published this post the number was put at 360 homes lost.

Terrible times bring out the good in many folks. There was a line a quarter of a mile long to drop off food donations at the local food bank, food for the families who had lost their homes and for the firefighters. They are 600 strong.

Many people are there for the animals as well. I was happy to retweet a photo of a fireman who had entered an evacuated house to get their cat. He succeeded. I'm sure it wasn't easy knowing cats. Animal sanctuaries in the area that had to evacuate received a ton of help, and that makes my heart glow. I haven't heard of any cases where evacuees were not allowed to grab their companion animals, just stories to the contrary: your companion animals are your family so get them and get out.

In 30 minutes.

Many people interviewed said they had 30 minutes.

Would you be able to get out in 30 minutes with not only your human family but your companion animals and important material things too?

I thought about this after watching all of the news stories of people having to evacuate.

Miguel the dog would not be happy. He is nervous to begin with. Suga the dog would be happy for a car ride. Monty the dog hates car rides. Rock the dog would not be happy but at 16 would deal with it. Then there are Chin and Cheng the chinchillas. What in the world would we put them in?

Passports, wedding photo, laptops, my favorite t shirts...

My answer to this question is "I don't know". I mean we would of course do it, but we are not prepared to do so and do not have a plan.

It's time to create a plan. A "we need to get all of us out of here in 30 minutes" plan. I'm not freaked out about this or trying to create drama, I just think it's important. And not only for us, but mainly for our companion animals who depend on us to make sure they are always safe.

By the way, I have asked a photojournalist if I can use one of his photos. Waiting for permission. If you'd like to see a bunch of photos go to Google images and put in "Black Forrest Fire".

Thank you for reading. By the way, I am trying to find reliable information on how you can financially support animals and their families. As soon as I have that I will post it.