While out fishing with my nephew and my dad, we watched a wildfire start and build steadily in the mountains.


Wildfire-1 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

After getting back to the house, I grabbed my pack and headed out to see if I could get closer.  The roads were all shut down going towards the fire, the police only allowing people to go in to get things out of their houses.  I know of some mountain trails that could get me closer, so I parked the truck, threw on my pack and started hiking.  After a few miles I got up on a ridge line and had a decent view.  I could have went farther, but that would have meant a few more miles and a much longer hike back and it was already getting late.

This wildfire grew very quickly


Wildfire-2 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

Sure wouldn't want to live there


Wildfire-3 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

The wildland firefighters wasted no time.  There were many different aircraft including spotter planes, skycrane helicopters, Airtractors, and P-2 firebombers.  It is amazing watching the spotting planes guide the big bombers in, flying through nearly zero visibility conditions in and out of canyons. Must be a very exciting job!


Wildfire-4 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-5 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-6 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-7 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-8 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr


Wildfire-9 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

I wish I could have got a little closer, atleast over the next ridge. It looks like it is sizing up to be a pretty bad wildfire season because of the light snow and very little rain.  Hope the wildland firefighters get this one out soon.

Did you run calling?

TRG

Sixgunner, You and I live in the same area. When I went to work today it was 200 acres and now its 5000.  It's not looking good.  BTW landed a 23.5 cutbow yesterday.

SkyCranes are so fucking sexy!

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1331082_I_just_walked_outside_to_fire_up_the_grill__High_Park_wildfire_pics_and_info_inside_.html

The fire is actually burning in a historic area with some of the best mountain scenery around. It is burning up in Old Flowers Road, which is a beautiful area where historic ranches are still running. There are tons of forest service roads in the area and I usually spend my summers up there prospecting and riding the trails on my motorcycle.

It is already burned over 4000 acres in just a few hours from starting. Pretty bummed out right now.

As of 10:42 pm last night, the fire as burned 8,000 acres.  This is a monster of a fire and is growing exponentially.  A HUGE area is now under evacuation orders.  Some of the best trail riding areas around are now reduced to ash