Thursday, June 13, 2013

Still Burning: Five Colorado Wildfires

It seems grey and cloudy outside in Boulder; a cloud can be seen hugging the top of Mount Sanitas.  Our humidity is currently 85%, which is a blessing - but we also have a very poor air quality due to the smoke.  As of 11 a.m. local time, we will be under a Red Flag warning again - which means extremely high fire danger.  I have a scratchy throat, and it seems that I can "taste" the smoke on the back of my tongue.  Air quality warnings are out, telling those folks with asthma, COPD, allergies, and other breathing problems to stay inside, and, if possible, be in an air-conditioned building.  If you don't have air conditioning, use a humidifier on the High setting, and drink lots of fluids.  For more news and updates, check the KUSA website at  http://www.9news.com/
   The Black Forest wildfire is the largest fire burning, and is near Colorado Springs.  It has destroyed at least 92 homes, and is between 11,000 and 12,000 acres - that's 18.75 square miles. More than 9,000 people are under evacuation orders...  This fire has no containment.
   The Royal Gorge wildfire has burned an estimated 3,000 acres.  The Royal Gorge Bridge has reportedly suffered some structural damage, but all the animals at the Royal Gorge zoo are safe.  This fire is 20% contained.
   The Big Elk Meadows wildfire on the western slope of the Rocky Mountain National Park has spread to 600 acres.  High wind conditions are expected there today, and will, most probably, increase the size of the burn to a much higher number.  This fire has no containment.
   The La Veta-Klikus wildfire is staying at 60 acres, and is currently 75% contained.
   The Fern Creek wildfire in the Rampart Range is also burning freely, due to it's remote location.  I have yet to receive an update on this fire's size.
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Tim Tebow has signed a 2-year contract with the New England Patriots, and is listed as their third-string quarterback.  Tebow has been working with Chris Wienke, up until his signing.  ....  If I could be in Virginia right now, I'd be at Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore.  The Tall Ships are there for a three day weekend; for more information see http://www.tallshipscapecharles.com/

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