Help is on the Way

The Black Forest Fire is almost a thing of the past, leaving only ugly scars along the landscape and in peoples' brains. This was the most destructive fire in Colorado history... and it all happened in a matter of days. It was terrifying, even for me, living well outside the boundaries of the blaze.

Fire statistics:

Containment: 95%

Homes destroyed: 509

Lives lost: 2

Acres burned: 14,280

Cost: 8.5 million

There are many folks out there interested in helping fire victims. The hard part is connecting those that need with those that are willing to help.

Source

The Gazzette of Colorado Springs has been fantastic throughout this ordeal. They have kept their web site updated with fire information on the top and readily accessible. They have suggestions for help and for providing assistance. 


The Denver Post published this list, which Feral Woman sent to me:


Here are some other ways you can give or get help according to the Denver Post recent article-

• El Paso County has established an online information clearinghouse at elpasoco.com/pages/safetyandassistance.aspx. This is where displaced residents can download copies of the re-entry packet, which includes key emergency phone numbers and other helpful information.

• Several Colorado broadcast stations will host a live phone bank fundraiser 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday to raise cash for American Red Cross relief programs in the Black Forest area and other fire zones, and help fund preparedness work in other Colorado communities facing potential disasters including fires, floods, tornadoes and more.

The television and radio stations participating are: KMGH (7News), KUSA (9News), KCNC (CBS4), KDVR (Fox31), KWGN (Channel 2), KCEC (Univision), Rocky Mountain PBS, Colorado Public Television, KUVO, KUNC and KRCC.

• The Margarita at PineCreek will host a benefit on its patio — rain or shine — 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday. Participants' $20 donation at the door goes to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation Emergency Relief Fund and covers a round of drinks, appetizers and live music from The Other Band and The Acme Bluegrass Band. RSVP at 719-598-8667 or themargarita@att.net

• Panera Bread stores in Colorado Springs are hosting a food drive for Care and Share Food Bank and will throw in $1 for every pound of food donated, up to $10,000. The food bank is seeking canned and boxed meals, soup, cereal, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruit and snacks.

• The American Red Cross continues to operate an overnight shelter at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument. The Red Cross cannot accept goods of any kind, but money can be donated at redcross.org/colorado or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. You also can make a donation of $10 by texting a message to 90999.

• Evacuees and family members can register to reconnect through the Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.phpt.

• A multi-organization assistance center has been set up at the El Paso County Public Health Department, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs. Evacuees can speak to representatives of major insurance companies, utility providers and local nonprofits, as well as grief counselors, health care workers and emergency personnel. Comfort Kits containing personal hygiene items and stuffed animals are also available. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Phone: 719-444-8301.

• Additional Red Cross aid stations distributing clean-up kits — sifters, shovels, trash bags, work gloves, rakes, paper towels, and face masks will be available at fixed site locations and mobile distribution beginning Thursday — water, snacks, and offering informational resources and emotional counseling are open at School in the Woods, 12002 Vollmer Rd., Colorado Springs, 11a.m.-6 p.m.; Colorado 83 and Hodgen Road, noon to 6 p.m.; and Woodmen Road and Black Forest Road, noon-6 p.m.

• Large-animal shelters remain open at Cactus Creek Ranch, 18550 Midway Ranch Road in Pueblo; Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road in Colorado Springs; and the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.

• Small animals can be dropped off at the Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs. Lost and found animals can be registered at the Black Forest Fire Lost and Found Pets on Facebook.

• People interested in volunteering for the recovery effort can get guidelines from HelpColoradoNow.org.

• Vacant and ready-to-move-in properties can be listed by clicking on the Colorado Disaster Housing Resource button atColoradoHousingSearch.com or by calling 877-428-8844. Available housing is listed, too.

If you have other resources to share, e-mail newsroom@denverpost.com with "FIRE HELP" in the subject line.