COLORADO SPRINGS — In 2012, the Waldo Canyon Fire burned more than 300 homes and killed two people. Those who lived through it told News5 the memories still bring tears to their eyes, and they cannot stop thinking about the people who are evacuating currently due to the East Troublesome Fire.
David Faulkner has lived in both Estes Park and Grand Lake in the past, but has spent around a dozen years living in his home near the Flying W Ranch. Fortunately, his house was spared in the Waldo Canyon Fire. "The Flying W Ranch had burned, and of course that's literally on the other side of the ridge right there, and so we were sure that our house was gone. We weren't sure what we were coming back to... We were pretty lucky," said Faulkner.
The fire came within just a few inches of his home, scorching his backyard. Faulkner and his family were able to evacuate the area early. "As soon as we had gotten what we thought was important, our kids and a few things... I really felt kind of a sense of calm about it, it was kind of a resignation. You realize there's nothing you can do about it," said Faulkner.
It's a reality Coloradans are facing right now, as they leave their homes threatened by fires. "If they're evacuated and they're away from their home, and they're away from the fire, then you know, they're going to be fine. And they'll rebuild, or you know, get compensated, or it might be a hassle. But you know, that's the way life is," said Faulkner.
If you would like to help by donating money, time, or supplies, visit ColoradoResponds.org.
