07/13/2026
With the loss of a pilot on a fire that is just over a ridge from us it makes me want to take a minute to recognize some things. While our home is not in emmeninent danger we are still affected daily by seeing the number of fire crews going up to set perimeters in the Big and Little Cimarron valleys.
A command center has been set up at the base of Big Cimarron, which is less than 2 miles from us. So to see the tents, all the trailers and yurts set up for operation is impressive. We see the caravan of trucks every morning and every evening coming and going up both valleys. They are preparing for the fire to pass through those areas in the back of the valleys, not knowing if it will get there or not but still protecting people’s belongings.
With the start of the elk fire last week the air traffic has increased above our house since we are in the flight path for the retardant drops and refilling in Grand Junction I believe. I watch helicopters with water buckets towards the end of our valley go back and forth from possibly silver jack or Ridgway reservoir to the Elk fire. Sometimes the flight patterns change and they come past the house.
From both fires seeing helicopters has resulted in a major obsession for our 2 year old son Wylder. We hear cop cop? all day long until he sees one. Seeing one around 4 pm yesterday and waving at it just hits hard. It wasn’t the one that crashed but still is just a reminder that these folks are risking their lives to protect us and other people’s things.
These fires don’t look to have an end anytime soon. They might burn all summer with the terrain being as hard as it is. They might be out next week with the rain, but I’m not holding my breath. I am thankful for everyone that works tirelessly and are constantly performing selfless acts with this career.
