The families living along Kuehster Road south of Conifer have learned lessons and come to realizations as a result of the Lower North Fork Fire: the power of neighbor helping neighbor, the lack of faith in the government, the anxiety that returns as they recount the harrowing hours they spent getting out and waiting to learn what they would return to — and that time does not necessarily heal all wounds.
March 26 marked the fifth anniversary of the fire that killed three, burned 4,100 acres and destroyed 23 homes. It’s a day — along with the aftermath — that residents here will never forget.
The fire started after a Colorado State Forest Service prescribed burn reignited in high winds. The fire perimeter was 8.5 miles, and it caused an estimated $11 million in damage.
More than 500 firefighters from six states fought the fire for a week, and 900-plus homes were evacuated.
“We have wonderful neighbors,” said Ross Eckle, who lives with his wife, Sherry, off Kuehster Road. “They are just people who will bend over backward to help you out whether firewood or snow removal or taking care of each other’s livestock.”
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