Fear shared it's face this week in Durango, both bold and shadowy, a palette of emotion. The 416 wildfire broke out about 10 miles from our house.
The fire crews (national, state and local) are working day and night to assess structures and winds, movements in the deep and steep ravens and to create the most comprehensive plan to mitigate destruction and save lives and homes. No small feat!
Russ woke early this morning and asked if I was awake, could we talk? It was fear invading his thoughts... all the what ifs. It is prudent to think ahead to our pre-evac plan, so his timing is good. But fear should be tempered and discernment inserted. There is absolutely nothing we can do besides honor those fighting the fire and be prepared.
The van already has THE MOST IMPORTANT papers and a suitcase of meds and clothes. IF we get a Code Red warning we can add family photos. To a certain extent, Russ' fear is natural and understandable. I don't want him to be overwhelmed with it though. With preparation we will be safe. As Pastor Jeff is always reminding us.... "it's just stuff". As fire is potentially dangerous, a bit of fear is healthy and normal.
So should we be afraid? Check out the photos I have compiled from a couple of sources. The majority are taken 10 miles away, but wind can change the trajectory of the fire. Fear and prayer will swirl around us for days. It is impossible to be living in Durango without checking for updates by the hour. My neighbor Janeann brought her porch chair right out into the road yesterday (we have little traffic on our road) and faced it north to watch the changing plumes of smoke. She said "It is a bit like watching a train wreck, You don't want to watch, but you can't look away". Sigh.