Colorado Springs fire leaves significant damage

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Colorado Springs, Colorado

In a Thursday press release, Colorado Springs officials said the Waldo Canyon Fire will be contained "well ahead of schedule."

The most destructive fire in state history, which began on June 23, was 90 percent contained as of Thursday, and could be completely contained as early as Friday. The fire has scorched 28 square miles, killing two people, and destroying nearly 350 homes. It cost more than $10 million to fight the fire, which caused at least $110 million of destruction.

Jerry Jacques, pastor of Colorado Springs Central Church of the Nazarene, said one church family lost their home and both cars to the fire, but no one was injured. 

"They have insurance but will probably only receive 60 to 80 percent," said David Ralph, Colorado district superintendent.

No members at Trinity Church of the Nazarene were directly effected, though some have family members who lost possessions in the fire.

A Trinity small group has coordinated a make-shift donation center in two church rooms where clothes and household items can be dropped off and picked up by those in need. The church has also created a list of items and services fire victims need.

With the threat of fire nearly gone in Colorado Springs, another could be coming.

While the area needs rain, many of the trees that usually soak up the rain and reduce soil erosion are no longer around, which makes flooding a concern. July and August are Colorado Springs’ wettest months, and according to the Colorado Springs Gazette, it may take only a half-inch of rain in an hour for damaging runoff containing ash, mud, and debris to sweep into neighborhoods and clog storm sewers.

"It will be a repetitive event," said Kathy Torgerson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado. "Every time heavy rain hits that burn scar, there will be the potential for extreme flash flooding, with these mud and ash flows. It can be several consecutive years of constant flash flood concerns in that area."

Continued prayer is requested.

How to Help

Donations are being accepted to help with recovery efforts. To give through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries online, click here. 

To send donations by mail, make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to: 

Global Treasury Service
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116 

Be sure to put ACM1285 – Colorado Wildfires in the memo area. 

In Canada: 

Make checks payable "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to: 

Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3 

Be sure to put ACM1285 - Colorado Wildfires in the memo area.

 

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