The Waldo Canon fire is burning near where we live. Waldo Canon is a very popular site for local hikers. We have watched the fire grow from 150 acres to 2500. It went from a single, impressive column of smoke to a horizon filled with flames and smoke.
As the evacuations were announced. Cedar Heights was the first evacuation. It's to the west of us and although we can see it from our home it seemed to be a ways away. The next set of evacuations included the street we live and I went into a panic. We scurried around gathering things and headed to my Father in law's home. He lives in a wooded canon about five miles from our house. As we listened to the news more closely, we felt that it would be safe to return home as the evacuation area is north of where we live.
We are safe at home, and have a new perspective. An experience like this makes me realize that we need to be better prepared for emergencies. We need to have our 72 hour kit ready and where we can grab it quickly. We also need to have a better plan for preparing to leave our home in an emergency.
We are unsure of what the next few days will bring, but we now have a plan in place can rest better.
