The Missionary Ridge Fire began on June 9, 2002, northeast of Durango in southwest Colorado. It burned until July 15, destroying forty-six houses and cabins and charring 73,000 acres of La Plata County forest. One firefighter died while fighting the blaze, which became the seventh-largest wildfire in Colorado history.
In addition to death and destruction, the Missionary Ridge Fire caused widespread environmental degradation. Durango and its vicinity saw increased flood and mudslide risks in the aftermath. These effects continue to be felt today, nearly two decades after recovery teams began replanting the forest.
The drive yesterday was bitter sweet. As you will see in the photos, there remains many burn scars. You might think the blackened matchstick trees a bit morbid and a scene to stay away from. In fact, taking this fall drive puts a positive spin on death, perhaps a visual I needed to see this week. Adjusting to a world without Russ causes great sadness and heartache. but the new growth of this fire area reminds me that that all of death does not need to be a drowning sorrow.
Our drive meandered FR 682 (Fire Road) allowing us to witness change and transformation, from the deep scar of the ravages of fire to the regeneration of forests, all in display of color. It was stunning.