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www.canyoncourier.com
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The mountain area’s newspaper since 1958
est. 1958
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021
N VOLUME 62 ISSUE 36
NOW SERVING EVERGREEN, CONIFER, BAILEY AND PINE
75 CENTS
A year later, the Elephant Butte burn scar includes many blackened lodgepole pines that still stand tall as skeletal reminders of the forest as it once was. PHOTO BY GLENN WALLACE
Elephant Butte Fire a year later A move to mitigation and more BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
It took 130 firefighters, numerous apparatus, 56,000 gallons of water from Evergreen Lake and a drench-
ing downpour to put out last year’s Elephant Butte Fire. The fire just west of downtown Evergreen, which started on July 13, 2020, forced the evacuation of 1,000 residents as firefighters spent 10 days containing the blaze that scorched 54 acres of timber and grassland in challenging, rocky terrain. Luckily, most evacuees were allowed back into their homes in a
couple days. The fire was terrifying for many as they worried about their houses, belongings, pets and livestock — and most importantly, their lives. It was a wake-up call for some to prepare for wildfire. “People are more aware of the need for wildfire mitigation and preparedness,” said Stacee Martin, Evergreen Fire/Rescue spokeswoman.
“It was a good wake-up call for our community. We like to think we live in this paradise, but there’s always a threat. We are super excited that people seem to be a bit more motivated to do mitigation.” Preparing for evacuation is just as important, she added. “Are you signed up for CodeRED SEE ELEPHANT BUTTE, P6
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Obits First Friday
2 Yellow House 10 July 4th
4 Tiny Town 14 Sheriff’s Calls
5 Opinion 17 Puzzles
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