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In the ashes
Last Friday, I did something I hadn't done for at least 20 years, when I viewed a national park scorched by wildfire. The last time was so long ago, that I do not even remember the year, only that it was at Mesa Verde National Park, and I had standard-issue green fire pants and yellow fire shirt, was allowed to drive myself, and walked through ankle-deep ash to talk to a hand crew (with permission).
Friday, I was invited to see Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the South Rim Fire has been burning since July 10. That day, it was only 14% contained — the terrain and the topography affect that ability — but according to today's update it is 31% contained, and Blue Mesa Reservoir, which had been closed on the west side to allow "super scooper" firefighting planes access, is now fully reopened.
The tour was eye-opening. (You can read about it by clicking the hyperlink, or in print Wednesday.) There are things you do not appreciate until you see it up close. The heat. The smell. The blackened trees, melted signs — seemingly melted buildings, come to that. And also: a still-standing visitor center, with the back-burned fire break that saved it. Some green, still. Experts reminding you that fire takes, but it also can restore. Nature is resilient, and no one had to tell that to the raptor circling overhead, or the deer standing near the road.
That's not to put a gloss on it. This fire has taken 4,200 acres at last count, and it burns in some places that cannot be safely accessed for firefighters. It endangers each and every one of the people fighting it, and those in its path. Several of our friends and neighbors have had their lives shaken up, as they've had to evacuate, or have made the calculated decision to stay put and monitor their homes and livelihoods. The economic impact of the park's closure will reverberate.
And it was helpful to see this up close, and hear it first hand. Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team III for arranging our visit (and keeping us safe while we were there). Thank you to everyone who has had a hand in responding to these fires — a big undertaking, by state, federal and local officials. Above all, stay safe.
— Katharhynn, from the Newsroom
In brighter news ...
The wildflowers above Crested Butte were absolutely banging last Tuesday. I took a little time out of the office for a little bit of hiking just outside of Gothic, shamelessly petal-peeping. It was a great time with pal Billie, and her dog Toulouse — who two other hikers separately mistook for a bear. Let it just be said: she looks nothing like a bear, and although she is't a small dog, she's nowhere near bear-sized. Perhaps the razzle-dazzle from the wildflowers temporarily affected their vision? Anyway, enjoy these views:
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