News
Elbert 6-20-13
Elbert County
June 20, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 21
Elbert County on alert for fires Burning rules tightened to prevent catastrophes Staff and wire report
A horse bolts from its trailer after a long ride from El Paso County. Dozens of horses arrived at the Elbert County Fairgrounds as Black Forest residents were forced from their homes by fire. The fairgrounds provided a large animal evacuation site for more than 150 animals including horses, cattle, goats, llamas and even turkeys. Photos by Deborah Grigsby
Fairgrounds hosts displaced animals Black Forest evacuations create need for shelter By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com The Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa became a temporary home for hundreds of animals evacuated from the Black Forest fire. Trucks pulling trailers filled with farm animals and livestock lined up along the dusty road into the fairgrounds June 12, where they were initially directed to holding pens so the animals could be inventoried. Some animals were brought by their owners, and some by friends of friends who just wanted to help. “I don’t really know the lady that owns this horse,” said Jacob Weiss of Colorado Springs, who was in line to drop off the animal. “But a friend of mine does, and asked me to help her out because she didn’t have a truck big enough to pull the trailer.” High winds and hot temperatures expanded evacuation areas in and around the Black Forest area, pushing ash and embers closer to Elbert County. Hazy skies also made breathing difficult. More than 1,000 Boy Scouts and 100 adults were voluntarily evacuated from the Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch in Elbert. The move was precautionary and more out of a concern for the health and well-
As high winds and extreme temperatures pushed ash and smoke from the Black Forest Fire northward toward Elbert County, more than 1,000 campers and adult leaders left the Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch near Elbert. Many of them were bused to the Elbert County Fairgrounds where they were reunited with family members.
being of the Scouts, particularly those with asthma and other breathing problems, said Elizabeth Fire and Rescue spokesperson Kara Gerczynski. Additionally, 250 campers and staff from the nearby Jewish Community Center Ranch were evacuated to the JCC in Denver. Horses, cows, cats and dogs from the ranch were sheltered at the fairgrounds. A statement from the Elbert Count Sheriff’s Office estimated more than 400 ani-
mals, including 216 horses, 27 alpacas and a yak, are on site and more were expected. Gerczynski said eight evacuated families were also staying at the fairgrounds. “We still have space,” she said. “We are not full, so if you have animals, right now there’s plenty of room. Residents needing information or assistance on moving livestock should contact the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office at 303805-6141 or 303-805-6134.
As a major wildfire threatened from the south, Elbert County residents were issued stricter burning rules last week. Sheriff Shayne Heap elevated the restrictions from Stage 1 to Stage 3 on June 12, a day after the Black Forest Fire ignited and ultimately prompted the evacuation of residents and livestock in portions of southern Elbert County. By the afternoon of June 16, the blaze north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County was 65 percent contained after having scorched more than 14,000 acres. Two people were killed and nearly 500 homes were burned in the state’s most destructive wildfire on record. All mandatory and pre-evacuation orders had been lifted in Elbert County by 8 a.m. June 15. But residents are being told to take precautions to help prevent wildfires within their home county. Elbert County’s heightened burn restrictions will remain in effect until further notice by the sheriff. Among other things, the rules ban open burning of any kind; outdoor smoking, except in certain areas clear of flammable materials; and the sale or use of fireworks. A complete rundown of the restrictions can be found at www.elbertcountysheriff.com. While Elbert County had avoided the worst of it, hundreds of residents in the Black Forest region were still waiting to return home June 15. Even though the fire was no longer active enough to produce a large smoke plume, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said it wasn’t safe for people to return home until roads and downed power lines were repaired. Additionally, the deaths of two unidentified people trying to flee the fire were still being investigated. Maketa said he was in no rush to have people return to an area that, at least for now, was still being considered a crime scene. Fire continues on Page 7
Ride with the Ranchers set to raise money Local livestock association offers scholarships, activities By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com The Elbert-Douglas County Livestock Association is hosting the fourth Ride with the Ranchers, raising money for the association’s scholarship programs and community activities.
The ride is at 10 a.m. June 29 at association member Tom Conley’s J Open A working ranch. The J Open A Ranch is east on Highway 86, six miles past Kiowa, off of Freese Road. Directional signs will be posted on Highway 86 east of Kiowa and along Freese Road to the J Open A Ranch. “The Conley Ranch provides a relaxed setting for a spacious ride with scenic views overlooking the expansive Bijou Basin,” said Bear Kay, Ride co-chair. “We’re excited to once again host a ride that provides a fun
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saddle up with the RancheRs What: Ride with the Ranchers poker ride and steak luncheon When: 10 a.m. June 29; registration begins at 9 a.m. Who: The Elbert-Douglas County Livestock Association Where: The J Open A Ranch in Elbert County More information: www.EDCLA.net and relaxed experience for both horse and rider.” The ride is expected to last three hours, with an optional hour and a half ride for riders who want less time in the saddle, Kay said. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with carrots and apples for the riders’ horses and the first of three sealed envelopes that contain cards for the poker hand part of the ride. The poker ride awards prizes for the best, second best and worst hands. The ride begins at 10 a.m., followed by a picnic luncheon at 1 p.m. The cost for the ride is $45 for adults, $20 for riders younger
Jim Beaver, left, and Bear Kay are the co-chairs of Ride with the Ranchers. Courtesy photo than 12 years and $30 for association members. Visitors can join for a steak lunch by Ranchers continues on Page 7