Two big wildfires — the Lee Fire and the Elk Fire — recently burned through eastern Colorado. The fires destroyed thousands of acres, damaged homes and ranches, and forced families to change their daily lives. With the Lee fire burning 137,758 acres, and the Elk fire burning 14,518 acres and destroying 19 buildings, it displaced hundreds of people from their own communities. Although the flames are mostly out now, recovery will take a considerable amount of time.
For EHS English teacher Emily Sorenson, who grew up in Steamboat, the fires felt very personal. Her brother owns a ranch outside of Yampa, and when the flames got close, he had to move his cattle quickly. Smoke also caused problems for his family. Sorenson’s niece and nephew couldn’t start school because the air was unsafe. One of her brother’s friends was also badly hurt in a car accident while driving through thick smoke to move animals. Sorenson said the experience gave her a new respect for first responders. “I really admire anyone who is a firefighter, especially those who take on the impossible task of wildfire containment,” she said.
For EHS FACS teacher Alexis Cochran, the fires brought stress during an important time. “When the Lee Fire happened, it was right when my cousin was getting married,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine trying to celebrate such a big event while worrying about your ranch back home in Meeker.”
The Elk Fire got even closer to Cochran’s family land near Crosho Lake. “It was all hands on deck — no one went to their day jobs,” Cochran said. “Everyone was on a tractor, ATV, or side-by-side helping firefighters put out hot spots.” She remembered how firefighters had to cut down her aunt’s favorite lilac bushes to stop the fire. That was hard for the family to watch.
Cochran also learned just how tough wildfire fighting really is. “I thought they would just show up and start spraying water,” she said. “But it’s much more strategic — controlling embers, cutting barriers, removing dangerous trees. I don’t think firefighters get enough credit unless you’ve lived through it yourself.”
Even with all the fear, both Sorenson and Cochran saw hope in the way their communities came together. In Yampa and Steamboat Springs, neighbors helped each other by moving animals, sharing land, and checking on families. Slowly, people are returning to normal life, but full recovery will take months.
Sorenson believes that the same people who worked to stop the fire will be there in daily life, too. “The people who helped move livestock and the firefighters who contained the flames are the same people who will be the referee at the next volleyball game and the EMT on the sidelines for football,” she said.
The fires may be almost over, but the spirit of these Colorado towns is still strong.
