Waldo Canyon Fire

On June 23, 2012, we looked out our window and saw this:

We found out there was a fire in Waldo Canyon, not far from Colorado Springs. Evacuations began.

Yesterday things seemed to be going better. On Sunday there were 11,000 evacuees, then they started letting people go back and the number dropped to 4,800.

But today was super hot, and the winds were really high. The fire got MUCH MUCH worse very fast.

Picture from 5:24 pm:

5:43 pm (from the same house):

Smoke blocked the whole sky. It was glowing an eerie orange color.

Now... we can see houses burning in the Mountain Shadows area. The fire has come down the mountain and it's in the plain now.
8:20 pm:

My whole life, I've looked up at these mountains. The view has always been much the same. But when the smoke clears, I don't think I will recognize my mountains anymore. My heart goes out to all of those who are losing their homes even as I'm typing this. I hope and pray that the firefighters will be protected as they face this terrible fire. I hope it can be stopped soon. They are estimating they won't be able to fully contain it until the middle of July at least.

On the news report we can see one of our Church buildings in Mountain Shadows. It hasn't burned yet. Everything around it is burning. I am hoping that it will be spared. It's surrounded by a huge parking lot and it has a fire resistant roof, so hopefully it will be okay.

I am so grateful there have not been any fatalities. All residents were evacuated. Thank goodness! This would be a much worse tragedy if people were losing their lives as well as their houses and belongings. But oh... I feel for all of those people who have lost so much!