As Colorado wildfires left burn scars across thousands of acres, first responder officials from across the Front Range on Thursday lamented that this is only the beginning of recovery efforts.
“The work is certainly not done,” Kate Kimbly, spokesperson for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, said of Colorado’s largest wildfire burning west of Loveland.
“We are transitioning to more of a recovery phase in terms of community needs,” she added.
The Alexander Mountain fire began on July 29 and has burned 9,668 acres in the mountains. In its path, the fire has destroyed 26 homes, damaged four others, and burned down 20 outbuildings. Damaged homes were located on Storm Mountain and the Cedar Park neighborhood.
Passed the Dam Store in Loveland and into the mountains, the charred remains of trees, bushes and shrubs are visible, the burnt scent heavy in the air.
As of Thursday afternoon, the fire was 91% contained, according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s office. Beginning Thursday, all roads around the area have reopened, including Highway 34 between Loveland and Estes Park.