During our short visit to the Denver area two weeks ago we got a look at the residual smoke as it shrouded the mountains in the distance. We couldn’t smell it, but when it cleared late in the week it was obvious how thick it had been. I cant’ imagine living in close proximity to these huge and unpredictable fires.
For the last three days we have had, by New England standards, a pretty big brush fire near our house. At 20 acres it doesn’t compare to anything you guys have out West, but is still cause for concern in this populated area. Our fires are much different than Western fires as our trees are mostly deciduous. Rather than spread into the canopy creating huge flames as they do out West, they stay close to the ground burning leaves and fallen brush. From a distance all that can be seen are huge pillars of smoke. As our local fire departments can attest to, they are stubborn and hard to extinguish. They can run under the leaf carpet to emerge behind the fire line where unexpected. Our fire was two acres when reported, spread to 10 acres before being contained on Saturday. It re-kindled overnight and grew to 20 acres on Sunday when it was once again contained. This morning we awoke to a strong odor of smoke and the sound of fire apparatus again. They say that it is contained, but only time will tell.
EDIT: Updated to 28 acres and now “under control” expected to be completely extinguished sometime Tuesday. Areal view if the aftermath…
