Last Wednesday, Denver held it's breath as the Lower North Fork Fire ignited from old "controlled burn" embers in 85mph winds. Authorities estimate the fire burned at 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and scorched four square miles in two hours that afternoon. Three people perished and Denver was immediately covered in a thick orange-brown cloud. The Lower North Fork is a hair's breath south of Deer Creek & Highgrade roads, the favorite ride of Denver cyclists. It's the beautiful land that lies between Chatfield State Park and the town of Conifer. Today, less than a week later, the fire is 97% contained at 4,140 acres, thanks to a dedicated fire crew. There are still over 500 firefighters battling the blaze today, even as rain turns to snow.
The early spring blaze has brought to mind how fortunate we are to have firefighters ready, in season and out, to battle blazes in difficult conditions and challenging terrain. I think we take firefighters for granted, until they are suddenly with us, rescuing the life and landscape we love. So Here's to Firefighters ~ thanks for stopping the "Lower North Fork" and for saving Deer Creek & Highgrade.
