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About
the Hayman Fire
In June
0f 2002, the largest wildfire in Colorado history started approximately thirty
miles from our home. Within the first day, it had advanced so rapidly towards
our home that we were advised to evacuate on ten minutes notice. While the fire
never got to us, stopping within a few miles, hundreds of others were not
so lucky.
While a few pics are here to illustrate the thing a bit,
nothing compares to the smells, colors and tastes of the real thing. Not
to mention the heart-stopping reverse 911 phone call advising us to
evacuate. Believe me, the first thing to evacuate under these
circumstances is your colon...
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Monday 7:00AM 6/10/02
A
view to the southwest, over the back fence line. I took this one standing
in our bedroom. By the following day, the fire had grown so wide the smoke
appeared to come from all around us.
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Monday 3:00PM 6/10/02
News reports indicate that the fire has moved over 8 miles towards us, pushed
by strong southwest winds. It has grown more than ten times the size in the
photo at left, nearly 80,00 acres in a few hours. The second emergency phone
call has come in and we are packing. |
Mule Deer on the
run.
Dozens
of Mule Deer live in the area around our home. This last one in a fleeing
herd stopped and looked back, allowing a quick shot. Coyotes and Black
Bears also moved toward the river. (We missed seeing the bear) |
Ash and Embers
Falling
Never thought I'd take a picture of the bare concrete our porch is made
of! Until smoldering black ash pine needles began falling on it.
Firefighters say this is how it spread so quickly. |
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Tuesday 10:00AM 6/11/02
Smoke so thick it blotted out the sun. This is more than an old statement
- that tiny red dot IS the sun... Picture taken from our back porch. Yes,
I know I've been advised NOT to be here.... |
Wednesday 10:00AM 6/12/02
The fire has turned back on itself, due to strong
nw winds. Smoke
is lessening as the fire runs out of fuel internally. Nothing better could
have happened except six inches of rain. |
All during this event, slurry bombers and bucket helicopters fly overhead
from time to time. It takes so long for our digital camera to 'boot up' I
cannot get a shot, they always get away. |
Firefighters estimate it will take 60 to 90 days to put this thing out,
perhaps I'll still get a shot of of those helicopters. |
Again, special thanks to all who volunteered services and assistance in
getting us out of this fire's way. Due to very cooperative weather it was
put out relatively quickly, and we are
thankful nothing was lost to us. Our hearts go out to to the many who lost
their homes, livestock and property and also to those who are still
displaced.
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