Honored and humbled to be part of Waldo Canyon museum exhibit

Published in The Gazette | April 26, 2013 | Written by Bill Vogrin

In The Gazette today, Bill Vogrin said that the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum is creating an exhibit on the Waldo Canyon Fire.

"The museum is putting together an exhibit on the Waldo Canyon fire to correspond with the one-year anniversary. Called “From the Ashes: The Waldo Canyon Fire,” it debuts June 22 at the museum, 215 S. Tejon St. downtown. 

Recently, I got a sneak peek at the exhibit. I can tell you it will be a powerful display of mementos of the inferno that charred 18,247 acres, killed two people and destroyed 347 homes in Mountain Shadows as well as the cherished Old West tourist attraction Flying W Ranch.  I expect the exhibit to be a popular attraction, and not simply because it’s free."

The Waldo Canyon fire started about 4 miles northwest of Colorado Springs on June 23, 2012.  It moved into Colorado Springs, and when done had burned 346 homes in total. It was the most destructive fire in Colorado Springs history.

Tenant Fire Safety

Stay safe in your home this Summer and throughout 2013. Every year there are around 11,000 house fires and sadly, many people continue to lose their lives instead of taking some simple precautions.

Your Home

• Test that smoke alarms are working 
• Be alert when cooking and never leave food unattended 
• Never leave candles or incense to burn unattended 
• Never leave children unattended with candles, matches, or lighters 
• Have a locked cupboard for combustible materials and dangerous tools 
• Don’t overload electrical circuits with too many appliances 
• Develop and practice an escape plan with household members 
• Know what to do if a person’s clothing catches on fire; Stop, Drop, Cover & Roll.
• Get rid of items cluttering your home which no longer have any use: old documents, newspapers, clothing, furniture, appliances and rubbish.  When these items block exits and narrow hallways, they block escape for the occupant and access for fire fighters.

Your Garden

• Cut long grass
• Regularly rake up leaves, bark and twigs
• Clear any dead branches and undergrowth near your home
• Prune lower tree branches
• Keep mulch and woodpiles away from walls
• Carefully place any flammable matter including boxes, cartons, and paper in trash can
• Remove any timber and old junk lying around

Share the Work

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property (including the garden) to a level that meets general street and community standards. It is your obligation to ensure that the property is fire safe, inside and out. 

To get ready for the summer months, why not invite your friends, family and neighbors over for a busy bee? Work is always quicker, easier and more fun with more people involved!

Don’t gamble with your lives. With a little preparation, it’s easy to help prevent your home from going up in flames.