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What happens when the forces of nature converge on a small mountain town?

In this episode, United by Fire takes you through the tumultuous events of 2020, when residents of Estes Park faced dual threats: the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating wildfire season. Learn how this community, nestled at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, came together to face the East Troublesome Fire, which tore across the Continental Divide and threatened their way of life.  

Photo Credit above: David Wolf / Estes Valley Fire Protection District 

Photo Credit right: Vern Carda

A race against time

With little time to spare, officials issued evacuation orders, leading thousands of residents to flee under a smoky, blood orange sky. Emergency responders scrambled to keep evacuation routes clear. 

“We only have so many roads in and out of Estes Park,” says Estes Valley Fire Chief David Wolf. “We had already lost the two roads to the west because of where the East Troublesome had burned through the National Park.” 

Photo Credit: David Wolf / Estes Valley Fire Protection District 

A town under siege

Community strongholds, from the Stanley Hotel to the YMCA of the Rockies, transformed into critical outposts for first responders who were stretched to the limit. 

The normally bustling Estes Park - a hub of Colorado’s tourism economy - transformed into a ghost town overnight. How do you bring it back from the edge?

David Wolf, Battalion Chief, City of Golden Fire Department
Jim & Annie Boyd, Glen Haven, Colorado Retreat Residents
Jän and Wendy Rigby, Retired; Marketing & Communications Specialist, Estes Park Health
Vern Carda, CEO, Estes Park Health
John W. Cullen IV, President, Grand Heritage Hotel Group
Katherine Dickenson, Associate Professor, Colorado School of Public Health

Further Reading

Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires, National Park Service, July 9, 2021.

"Do you know how to properly prepare and defend yourself, family and home from a wildfire?", Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management 

"Preparing for wildfire evacuation and alternatives: Exploring influences on residents’ intended evacuation behaviors and mitigations", by Amanda M. Stasiewicz and Travis B. Paveglio, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, May 2021.

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