The Hummer - Special Edition - Summer 2018

THE WESTON PASS FIRE

SUMMER 2018

CORA Stories

June 28th started like any other day at CORA. Most lot owners were going about their lives in Denver, Colorado Springs, Kansas, Texas, or wherever they call home. There were a number of lot owners on site at CORA, but the events of the next few days would focus everyone’s attention on CORA and the surrounding environs. All of us were afraid that we would lose the place we love and use to escape the city madness and heat.

This event could have been tragic had it not been for the herculean effort by local officials, local firefighters and the over 500 men and woman who came from 27 states to stand shoulder to shoulder and fight the Weston Pass Wildfire. The abridge timeline is included in this special edition of the Hummer.

weston pass fire 2018 photo

Weston Pass Fire 2018

Email Interview with Jane Tingle, CORA Caretaker

by Larry Chiuppi, DSP 24

What did you do to protect CORA’s electronic files and important documents?

Both computers were backed up to a thumb drive and we took both computers with us when we left. Along with all monies, the checkbook and a few files.

Were any CORA infrastructure systems modified prior to evacuation? Such as the water system, pool, sewer plant, electricity, etc.?

The water was tested and the chlorinator was filled. Tom checked the sewer plant to make sure all systems were operating. We shut the pool completely down on Sunday morning before we left. We couldn’t see leaving it on when no one would be using it and we didn’t know how long we would be gone. CORA never lost electricity during the fire, however, we did lose phone service on Saturday (June 30th) afternoon.

Where did you and the Workampers evacuate to?

  • Tom and I stayed in Arvada with John and Marsh Ludvig
  • Bruce & Jasmine Elliott evacuated to Colorado Springs and stayed with their son and daughter-in-law
  • Richard & Charlene Amacher stayed with Rick and Cindy Pruitt (Lot DSP001) in Buena Vista
  • Delmar & Sharon drove to Lake George and stayed at the Travel Port Campground
  • Chuck & Alicia evacuated to Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins in Buena Vista for a few days and ended up in Monument at Colorado Heights Camping Resort

Fairly Complete Timeline of the Weston Pass Fire 2018

THIS IS A FAIRLY COMPLETE TIMELINE OF THE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WESTON PASS FIRE DURING THE SUMMER OF 2018. THE MATERIAL WAS COPIED AND PASTED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. NO EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO INSTALL UNIFORMITY.

Weston Pass Fire Initially designated the Jones Hill Fire

06/28/18:

  • Wild land fire south of Fairplay, west of US Hwy 285. south of County Rd. 22, near Buffalo Peaks Rd. at US Forest Rd 158 and 431
    • Current there 8 type 6 crews in the area attempting reach the fire. Air support will start dropping water. There is no known cause of the fire at this time. Size of the fire is unconfirmed at 15 acres. There are no evacuation orders at this time. Evacuations are voluntary, but residents or campers in the area are encouraged to leave if concerned.

6/28/18 – 4:21pm

Dear CORA Folks,

Those of you that are on the property please start preparing to EVACUATE. The winds are coming up. Tom spoke with some of the fire fighters and the fire is very hard to contain. So we need to be prepared. Gather your medication, important papers, etc. and be ready. I will keep you posted and news comes in.

Jane Tingle, Caretaker, Campground of the Rockies Association (CORA)

06/28/18 – 5:14pm

John Adams from RORA just called. The reservoir is closed tonight and tomorrow. They are taking water out of the reservoir by helicopter. Please stay away from the reservoir so they can do their job. Thank you for your cooperation!

Jane Tingle, Caretaker, Campground of the Rockies Association (CORA)

06/28/18 – 7:03pm

Dear CORA Folks,

Great News! Tom just spoke with the helicopter crew at the reservoir. The fire burned about 50 acres. The winds have calmed down. The ground crew is getting a handle on the fire. Things are looking up! We will keep you updated. Thank you for your cooperation!

Jane Tingle, Caretaker, Campground of the Rockies Association (CORA)