Colorado had at least 5-7 fires of all sizes last week. While our boys were out of town last week, we made a bit of a personal fire plan. Living in the forest, it's something we don't think about often, and sadly should have a plan in place. Colorado has endured about 3 years of drought conditions and we are prime for spreading fires.

Upon arriving back in Colorado Saturday, this is the 'small' fire that greeted us just west of Colorado Springs. This Waldo Canyon Fire was of course started small and is now reportedly over 5100 acres, and growing. Although it's certainly not the largest fire, and doesn't compare in acreage to the Hayman fire that drew a lot of attention to Colorado Springs and Woodland Park; but this one is different because it is SO close to homes. The numbers have ranged all over the place, but I think there are at least 13000 people evacuated from their homes. The fire is closest to a Manitou Springs neighborhood called Cedar Heights. Residents around Manitou Springs and all along the west side of Colorado Springs.

Federal assistance began today with help from The Air Force C-130 crews dropping slurry and water on the fire and trying to contain it, with help for other small private aircraft and emergency helicopter crews.

Daily updates come at 8am and 4pm local time and almost all local channels. Additionally local news affiliates are all breaking into local programming to update residents with important news updates. Hwy 24 out of Colorado Springs through Cascade, Chipita Park, Green Mountain Falls to Woodland Park.

This is quite a devastating fire and yet there are no deaths or structures damaged. What a miracle! Cedar Heights homes have done work to provide a fire barrier around their homes, which has protected them. And the firefighters are doing an amazing job! To top things off, in my 24+ years living along the front range of Colorado I don't ever recall such a long string of hot dry days like we are experiencing now.

The Red Cross is taking monetary donations (http://www.denver-redcross.org/general.asp?SN=199&OP=6890&IDCapitulo=q4q26ny21n), as well as Care & Share for food can be dropped off at various locations including their huge warehouse off Constitution east of Powers and The Dublin House (1850 Dominion Way). There is speculation about an arsonist from the Woodland Park / Teller County, but this has not been confirmed, authorities are investigating.

Please pray for rain here and all over Colorado and other extremely  dry states... and keep the evacuees, firefighters, and emergency workers in your thoughts & prayers.