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All Evacuations Lifted in Crowley County Save Email Print
Posted: 3:19 PM Apr 15, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:33 PM Apr 17, 2008
 Reporter: Leslie Fichera
Email Address: News@kktv11news.com
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As of Wednesday afternoon, all evacuation orders were lifted in Crowley County.

 
It's fire season in Colorado Springs. Do you feel prepared to protect yourself and your home?
Yes, I pay close attention
Not really, I'd like to learn more
 

This comes after at least two people died when a wind-driven wildfires swept across the plains and forced 1,110 residents to evacuate from the town of Ordway on Tuesday.

Highway 71 between Rocky Ford and Limon has re-opened. Colorado 96 between Ordway and Crowley is also open.

All Crowley County Schools are cancelled on Thursday.

At least 20 structures and seven homes have burned to the ground and more than 8,900 acres were consumed.

Click here for the possible cause of the fire with a report from Lauri Martin

Gov. Bill Ritter declared Tuesday a state of emergency and made $500,000 available from the State Disaster Emergency Fund.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Wednesday authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Ordway fire.

The funds will be used to help defray firefighting and recovery costs in and around Ordway.

Ritter also has directed the Colorado Division of Emergency Management to seek any available federal assistance, including Small Business Administration loans, to help those who sustain damage from the fire.

“We will be doing all we can to assist the people of Ordway and Crowley County as they try to bring this fire under control,” Gov. Ritter said.

Crowley County officials have established a help line for Ordway residents who have been affected by the fire Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents can call 719-267-5555, extension 2.

Fire disaster victims can also go to the Crowley County Commissioners’ office, located at 603 Main Street, Suite 2, in Ordway.

To read Senator Ken Salazar’s message to victims of the Colorado wildfires, Click Here

Stay with KKTV and KKTV.com for the most up-to-date information.
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Posted by: Kate Torgler Location: Denver on Apr 22, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I grew up in Ordway and my family still lives there. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. Thankfully my parents were able to save their house but I know that there are a lot of people in the community that were not so lucky. Hang in there ~ it will get better with time.
Posted by: anissa Location: ordway on Apr 19, 2008 at 11:28 PM
THANK YOU just doesn't seem enough to express the deep gratitude i feel for all who were involved helping through the ordway fires. it was the most terrifying experience of my life and i am forever grateful to all who helped and especially all the firefighters who saved our town. my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost homes or family members. terry and john are heroes, and they represent hundreds of heroes who fought for ordway on tuesday. as for those who wish to criticize the school personnel, i have to say you are absolutely mistaken! all the children were evacuated to safety in a matter of minutes, following the call from the sheriff's dept. (we were told 4 min from time of call to time of buses leaving town.) we were all sent to sugar city on orders from authorities. winds were not west, they were south all day and sugar city was safe & easily reached quickly for all. again, i say THANKS and am just glad to have a home to return to. not everyone was so lucky.
Posted by: Barbara Sandoval Location: Crowley County on Apr 19, 2008 at 01:07 AM
I would like to say thank you to the school and day care for so swiftly and safely getting our children out of town. Thank you to all the firefighters from here and from afar, thank you for the repair of service of electricity and phones. Thank you to all the communities and people in them working together to help each other. There were so many people doing so much to make life brighter, people sent in food, organizations cooked for towns, towns people in Sugar City rallied to help those who ended up there. People risked their lifes to assist others so their homes would not be destroyed. Farmers plowed firebreaks. Airplanes dumped water. A whole community and others all arounding coming to the aid of each other. Bless you all! What a wonderful place to live!
Posted by: Jennifer Stalder Location: Kuwait on Apr 19, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Thank god its over- My heart goes out to the Bufords, if you need anything let Ty know, we will help you any way we can- as well as anyone else. Im stationed in Kuwait right now but I have been following everything closely! I want to send my sympathy to The Swartz and Devore family- I worked with Terry in the past and know he was dedicated to his work. Again, I wish I was there to help- but Im sure the town will come together and help each other out. We will recover from this, and get everyone built back up, just call for help.
Posted by: Lisa Reisch Location: Ordway on Apr 18, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I would like to Personally Thank the staff at Crowley County Schools for getting all the children to safty, It upsets me reading some of these post on this website to find out how people that dont even know the area can judge who or how things should of been done. I would also like to Thanks the many Firefighters that put thier lives on the line for this communtiy without all of them everything would of I'm sure been lost or close to it. People that dont live here or have never heard of crowley county should never Judge, For I was raised here, been gone many times but have always come back to a commuinty that I can always trust and know no matter people always help one another here, in this close community. Pride is what we are All about!For Understanding, Love and Support! My Heart goes out to each and everyone of you that lost your homes,personal items and Your Family, Know that in the days to come we all Love and Support you in your sorrow and Tears.God Bless each and everyone of U.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 18, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Whoever wished the whole town would burn down you really need to seek some sort of church. These fine people lost everything they had. 2 firefighters lost their lives. What is wrong with you? To the citizens of Ordway, hang in there and I am sure that one person has mental issues. We are keeping the firefighters families in our prayers as well as everyone that lives in Ordway. And even to the person who wished bad things, we are keeping you in our prayers as well that you seek some sort of anager management.
Posted by: Melinda Location: Ordway on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:01 PM
It could have been any of us burning trash two days before the fire. Please remember how horrible they must feel. I really wasn't their fault.
Posted by: Melinda Location: Ordway on Apr 17, 2008 at 09:16 PM
In my opinion the school did an excellent job at evacuating the school. If it wouldn't have been for a panicking parent holding up the buses the kids would have been out of there a lot quicker. I'm sorry but if the school is trying to get your kids to safety, please don't flip off the principal and the bus driver. They knew what they were doing and there were flames right across the street. The kids were already panicked they didn't need that. I understand why she would have been panicked but don't hold up the rest of the school when there are flames right across the street. All you had to do was follow the buses to Sugar City and pick up your child. On a different note, I can't believe someone would actually wish that the whole town would have burned to the ground. I don't know who you are but I sure wouldn't wish pure fear and devastation upon you.
Posted by: dave Location: lajunta on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:52 PM
to shelley in so.carolina - fires did not get to their place - everyone ok as far as we know - hope this helps
Posted by: Jennifer Location: Fort Collins on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:28 PM
For those that would like to donate, there has been a fund set up for fire victims. Donations are being made through The Crowley County Community Foundation, which is a 501c3 (Tax Exempt status). Individuals donating will receive a receipt of their donation and can use that as a deduction for their income tax returns. Crowley County Community Foundation Crowley County Fire Relief Fund %The First National Bank of Ordway PO Box 278 Ordway, CO 81063. Checks should be made payable to the Crowley County Community Foundation. They can note the Crowley County Fire Relief Fund in the Memo line of their check. Inquiries can be made at FNB Ordway – 719-267-3531
Posted by: Shantell Location: Canon City on Apr 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I travel around certain parts of Colorado assisting schools through an agency named BOCES.I have been working with the kids and teachers at Ordway and must say that they are wonderful people and a very close knit community. Although I have never lived in Ordway, I feel a close connection to the community. My heart breaks for those who have lost people, property, homes and their won security. I am hoping to assist with food and clothes via churches in Canon and surrounding areas. I am planning to set up a BOCES drop off box. If any of you have any other ideas that I can be of assistance let me know. I will be praying the residence of Crowley County and all those affected. God Bless
Posted by: Student of CCHS 12 Location: Ordway on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Everyone please keep Cody and his family in your thoughts and prayers as his dad was killed in the fire the services will be Friday at three o clock at the Folwer Methodist Church and the Devore family as they lost there husband and father thank you all so much God Bless You All
Posted by: Shelley Location: Colorado Springs on Apr 17, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Formally from La Junta, I am glad to be able to read these messages, since you don't get much info from the news. I did find out about family of one friend which eased my mind. I can not express in words how badly I feel for everyone in Crowley County. My heart goes out to all of you. God bless you all!!
Posted by: Rory Location: Honolulu, HI on Apr 17, 2008 at 04:41 AM
I am a native of Ordway, my prayers go out to everyone. Just as others have stated before, I read through these comments I am ashamed of some of you out there, trying to drag people down when they need your support the most. As for the rest, just keep praying and offering assistance.
Posted by: Shelly Location: South Carolina on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:36 PM
I have family there and don't know if they are ok. The Jett family. Linda,JJ,Ernie, Carrie,Sherrie, and Terrie. Does any one know if they are ok.
Posted by: Tracey Location: Pueblo on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I would like to thank all of the people that helped the residents of Ordway. My family was able to get out safely and are now back home. It is very reassuring to know that there are others willing to show compassion, care and concern for others. My heart goes out to all the families.
Posted by: Student from CCHS Location: Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Hey you should not say stuff like that about ordway because you should want us to be safe not hurt. One of those firefighters here that lost thier lifes was one of my good good friends dad and i do not like what you are saying about them. So please keep us in your prayers and thoughts. But if you are not going to say anything nice you shoudn't say it at all and exspecially if you don't live here in the town like we do. We would like it if you keep us lifted up and i am proud that we have a lot of people that have been helping us out the last few days and god bless you all that had helped out. GOD BLESS
Posted by: Mac Location: Crowley on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:59 PM
I think the school did an outstanding job of evacuating all students. 500 kids and everyone was out safe and sound with no injuries. The teachers rocked and the school leaders really took care of issues. This fire was really dangerous and I think they did everything perfectly.
Posted by: Rose Location: Chandler Arizona on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I am at a loss for words! And as for the jack head that cant even write his/her own name down and has to use one as "exresident", how dare you say something like that about a town that has lost lives, homes, and business's. I think you your self should burn! My entire family lives there, including my daughter and mother! If you have such negative things to say, take it somewhere where people will listen to your BS and not make everyone feel even worse for what is going on! And trust me, Crowley County is a MUCH better place with you not in it!
Posted by: LC Location: Olney Springs on Apr 16, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Contact The River of Life Fellowship Church at (719-267-4837) if you have items to donate or want to help.
Posted by: Nicole Location: Fowler on Apr 16, 2008 at 06:14 PM
I am from Fowler And would like to help if any one knows who I can contact on how to become a donation drop off location please let me know. I own the daycare here and would be willing to help take donations! Thank you and my blessings go out to everyone in this time.
Posted by: Pat Location: Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 05:52 PM
The person from Arizona saying that the people from ordway should deserve to burn, you just wasted your time, I was born in LaJunta and my mom and dad were born and raised in Crowley County. If you feel that way about Ordway maybe its a good thing that you do not live here.
Posted by: Pat Location: Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 05:22 PM
The man that was burning the trash should really feel bad at what happened to the people that lost things in Ordway. It seemed like there was no concern for the outcome of what would happened if burning trash and not having the fire department there. I live in Ordway and so do some of my family members. Also, some of those family members are on the fire department.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Peyton Co on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:56 PM
How can people help those family's who needs help down in Ordway and the areas around. Is their any groups that are helping pick up or even helping rebuild yet?
Posted by: veronica Location: Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:40 PM
I am currently in Ordway and the aftermath is just horrible. My husband stayed in town last night watering down our house and the neighbores, he is now sick with smoke inhalation. The house down the way burned and our friends land and building burned almost getting their house, we are all thankfully safe though. My heart and prayers go to the two firefighters that lost their lives trying to save us! To the comment from exresident" Ordway deserves to burn" how dare you comment like that in a time of disaster that took two lives working so hard and burned the homes of so many inncocent people, Im glad that you no longer are a part of Ordway with an attidude like that!
Posted by: dave scott Location: lajunta co on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:04 PM
hearing people complain about what was done or not done drives me nuts. I brought my daughter,son in-law and granddaughters to my home in lajunta last night from ordway < I lived there for 16 years > and no one has the right to complain!!! As in any unusual disaster who has the training or the experience to know what exactly to do ? People have lost lives and property as so many have in other disasters so lets figure out how to help or just stay out of the way and keep personal opinions to yourselves !! god bless the survivors and the brave people who fought this fire and all those facing adversity around this country ! Our prayers are with you all .
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Trinidad on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Do people not use their heads when they are burning trash and look at what might happen! My heart goes out to everyone in the area! I am ashamed of the person who was burning trash and started the fire, look what this has done!
Posted by: sherry Location: ordway co on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I am in Phoenix with horses and got a call from my home. I didnt know if my home was burned since the fire was accross the street. My neighbor was trying to help friends down the street. I am thankful that it wasnt worse and wish that I could be there to help. I know that alot of the lose horses are at my farm and thank God they are safe. I live and 17.5 and J. Horrible god bless everyone there.
Posted by: troy Location: Las Animas on Apr 16, 2008 at 12:06 PM
this is to Richard, when hwy 71 is closed where do you think the school should send them back to the west into the fire
Posted by: melissa Location: phoenix,az on Apr 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Thank God all my family is safe. That is where I grew up as well. My grandfather lost is farm, but everyone is safe. the house is safe. everything else gone. My prayers go out to everyone! I will help in anyway I can.
Posted by: alkizarshe(kim) on Apr 16, 2008 at 11:18 AM
PLEASE GET MORE PICTUERS, I AM PRAYING THAT ALL THE FAMILY IN MY TOWN ARE SAFE, BUT I NEED TO REALLY KNOW IF MY GRANDMA IS SAFE
Posted by: rochelle Location: ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Yesterday our little town went through a devestating fire in whitch everyone is still realing. People who live in this town need to come together to help one another. The superintedent of the school is not a idiot I personally think that good decisions were made in a very short period of time. People in this town need help and suport not critisism. Please pray for the two families of our fire fighters that were lost.
Posted by: Tammie Location: Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:57 AM
i live in ordway and i have experienced the outcome of it all and it was really scary to see all those houses burning down and watching all the people evacuate the sugarcity and then having to evacuate out of there to shelters in rockyford......thanks for all your concern
Posted by: DeEtte Location: La Junta on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:45 AM
My home is in Ordway. The fire is only about 60% contained. They have FEMA and many others ouot there to help! All roads are closed to get into ordway but I hear the power is back on. Hopefully we all can go home soon.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:27 AM
My prayers are with the firefighters families. Everyone please be careful and stay safe. Lets hope we get some rain or snow today to help out.
Posted by: Kathy Location: Crowley, CO on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
The school super. isn't crazy. There are only 3 roads going west from Ordway and all were blocked by fire and smoke. East was the only way to go quickly that had a place to hold 520 students. Electricity was out yesterday afternoon and last night. It is back on today as of about 9am.
Posted by: Evolution Location: La Junta on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I could see the raging smoke yesterday from my location here. If anyone is in need of help from the Ordway location please feel free to contact me lajunta@live.com. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all! We are your neighbors and its only right to extend a helping hand in a time of need. Kudos to Governor Bill Ritter for stepping up as well!
Posted by: Charlotte Location: Cincinnati, OH on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:06 AM
MY GRANDMOTHER AND AUNT ARE OK AND HAVE BEEN FOUND... THANKS TO ALL FOR THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT.
Posted by: Jeanie Location: Pueblo on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:30 AM
If you can't say somthing nice about the people working so hard to save lives .Keep your mouth shut. The schools did what they could in a a hurry and did a good job. I am Former resident with family in Ordway.
Posted by: Pat Location: Pueblo on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:24 AM
I want to thankyou for the coverage.It was very informative. I tried other local channels and there was nothing on about the fires.On one channel at 5pm the newscaster reported that Rockyford was going to be evacuated instead of saying that the evacuees were going to Rockyford.Once again thankyou for the on going reporting.
Posted by: Amber Location: Fowler on Apr 16, 2008 at 09:00 AM
I think what has happened in Ordway is a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family members who lost a loved one and all who lost their homes to the fire yesterday. I grew up in Ordway and it's hard to see something so close to home go up in smoke. I had family members work on the fire last night and there's no feeling like wondering if they are okay or are going to make it home after being out there dealing with such a deadly fire.
Posted by: Milan Location: Littleton on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:51 AM
My best wishes are with everyone at Crowley County!
Posted by: Jana Location: Rocky FOrd on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:34 AM
is it still burning?
Posted by: Student of CCHS Location: Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:29 AM
The comments of the superintendent were uncalled for. I was in the school at the time it happened, the reason they moved us to the places they did were because the wind was moving in a totally different direction at the time, the wind changed way to fast. They were just trying to get us out of harms way as quickly as possible. You shouldn't judge.
Posted by: Samantha Location: formerly Ordway on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:08 AM
I grew up in Ordway and my prayers are with all of the victims of this tragedy. I also have a little sister attending the elementary school and as far as the evacuation of the school is concerned, they did what they thought was best in that situation. After hearing her side of the story I believe that the staff handled everything very well. My father is also on the fire department and they would have not let those children be harmed in any way. It is a shame that when a disaster like this occurs people begin to pass judgement. This is really not the time for such a thing, the children are safe which should be the most important thing.
Posted by: David Location: Colorado Springs on Apr 16, 2008 at 05:50 AM
The two people killed in the fire have been identified by other news sources as both being Firefighters on their way to fight the fire when a bridge collapsed, trapping them underneath.
Posted by: Peggy Location: Indianapolis on Apr 16, 2008 at 05:13 AM
I raised my family in Ordway. I wish that there were more national news coverage on small town desasters like this.
Posted by: exresident Location: arizona on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:21 AM
The town of Ordway and its citizins deserve to burn, the place is a miserable piece of real estate.
Posted by: Eloy Location: vancouver ,wa. on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:13 AM
I was at work, at 8 pm, when I got the call from Blaine. Not quite sure what was happening, but that Ordway and the surounding area was on fire and the town was evacuated. I called my family, but got no answer. Joyce and Rudy please call. Our prayers go out to the Minjarez family and families, the Gardners, the Hijars, the Noahs, other friends and families,and to all in Olney Springs, Crowley, Ordway, Surger City, and the County. Thanks to KKTV.COM I found some news and could try to comunicate with family and the good people of Crowley County.
Posted by: RuthMuthGrenard Location: Swink on Apr 16, 2008 at 01:30 AM
Let's rally around the families who lost their homes in this tragedy. As their names are revealed, I believe we can begin to pledge our support toward funds to help them get back on their feet! I will begin with a pledge of $300 to the Buford family.
Posted by: Skyler Location: Rye Colorado on Apr 16, 2008 at 12:03 AM
I grew up in ordway i drove an housr to see if my family was ok. i drove by the fire and i thought wow how could this have happend to a place where i had grew up. my dad actually drove down there because he had once been a firefighter down there about 6 years ago. it is just devistating. i would like to have an update on the town please.
Posted by: laura Location: lajunta on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:57 PM
the post office is still standing and main street is ok i just came from there at 11pm and all was still ok
Posted by: jane dear Location: ordway on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:56 PM
my prayer to all that have lost their homes i hope u get the mny u need for rebuilding. i was hme wen all ths hppnd but i saw all tht i needed. my prayers to all
Posted by: kim Location: sugar city on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:53 PM
i think this was a very thing, i was lucky enoph to be at a track meat in swink. all that i heard was that ordway had a very dreadful day and i hope we can get the money we need for ordway. i would like to see more pictures, and to see if the library by the middle school really burned or not. my friend lizzy said that it burnt a little and we were wondering if it was true. A fellow middle schooler Kim.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:51 PM
ms. dominguez you house is still standing and there is just alot of smoke...
Posted by: Carolyn Garner Location: Calhan on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:35 PM
My son who is one of the volunteer firefighers that have gone down to Ordway, shared with me that 2 firefighters have lost their lives. A firefighter has also lsot his life fighting the Fort Carson fire. Please pray for our firefighters.
Posted by: Jackie Manly Location: sterling Colorado on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Hey my i hope that they get all that snow that they are talking about, maybe the wet will help slow down the fire, my step grandpa lives in Ordway and a very good friend.
Posted by: Jen Location: Boulder Area on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:20 PM
What I understand from the workers at the fire site, the 2 fire fighters were from Olney Springs that lost there lives. Also, Buck Shots is gone along with the airport. I know a few people have gone into the town and have let us know that the baseball team made it back safely and are getting to safety for the night. Also, I have heard that the fire is contained but there are still hot spots that could fire back up with the wind. Keep praying for snow to help the workers get the fire out!
Posted by: James Location: Pueblo on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Just found out that there was in fact two fire department personel that died when a bridge that they were on collapsed underneath them. They were from the Olney Springs fire department.
Posted by: LC Location: Olney Springs on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:03 PM
I have heard unconfirmed reports that the two that died are Olney Springs fire fighters.
Posted by: Corinne Allaman Location: Phoenix AZ on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I hope that all gets under control. Ordway is a home town of mine. My family is there right now working fire trucks at the moment and my cousins trailor got burnt down nest to the vfw. there has been 2 people that have died but all i know that there are tons of people trying to help fight the fires from all around the small town of ordway
Posted by: James Location: Pueblo on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Joan Dominguez Sherman street wasn't any where near the fire. My mother's house is in the 500 block of Idaho and nothing was close. The furthest the fire got into town was next to McDonald's Car Lot and across the street from the Sheriff's house on Arkansas.
Posted by: Michael Location: Peyton on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:45 PM
This is bad for everyone. Lets all pray for all the firefighters who will risk their lives throughout tonight and tomorrow in Ordway and in the springs area. It is a bad bad thing for everyone and all of us around the area. I am praying for all my friends and everyones family their and thats fighting the fire. Please pray with me everyone.
Posted by: James Location: Pueblo on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Charlotte Location: Cincinnati, OH **** I know Tonya and Randy. I tried to call the house, but no answer. They are probably out trying to help with what they can do. Your Grandmother's house on 3rd street was far from the fire. I am sure that Tonya and Randy picked her up when they headed out of town.
Posted by: Joan Dominguez Location: 527 sherman aveune on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
we are very concern for home please let know more information on our house.thank you
Posted by: James Location: Ordway now in Pueblo on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Main street didn't burn. I hadn't heard anything about 2 people dying. A couple of houses in town caught on fire, a few just across the highway south of town and a large building known as Buck Shots was burnt. There were a few houses still on fire directly north of Ordway on 17.5. A trailer house on Road H one mile north of the Ordway feedlot burnt to the ground. There wasn't any smoke or fire heading toward Sugar City. There were plenty of buses to help get people out of town.
Posted by: rachelle Location: la junta on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:13 PM
my heart goes out to all of these people in ordway. I went to school there,and have family members that live there. I want to thank govorner ritter for his help getting these people back on their feet. I understand that they will never get their lives back fully, but every little bit helps. these people need lots and lots of prayer.
Posted by: Sonya Location: Olathe, Kansas on Apr 15, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Our prayers go out to all who live in Crowley County! The Buford's house is gone, but they are all safe. Clothes, etc. will be needed, especially for the boys.
Posted by: Jerry Location: Olathe, KS on Apr 15, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Unbelieveable. My parents who live here in Olathe grew up in the area, though they have not lived there since late 40's, but we have many family members in the Ordway, Crowley, and Olney Springs area. One has lost their home in the fire. Our prayers go out to our family and friends and their neighbors.
Posted by: henry Location: fountain on Apr 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
I Hope That The fire dosen't spread any more
Posted by: Christy Location: SE CO on Apr 15, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Our prayers are with the families, firefighters and all the volunteers fighting this fire. Such a tragedy! Everyone keep praying.
Posted by: Joan Location: Colorado Springs on Apr 15, 2008 at 08:59 PM
What can we do to help? Start donating clothes and supplies, obviously; but do they need people to help evacuate? Maybe some Colorado Springs churches could put up some folks so that they don't have to spend money on shelter?
Posted by: Chaplain(2LT) Cook Location: Colorado Springs,80911 on Apr 15, 2008 at 08:49 PM
I am a Chaplain with The USCOC fo rthe Miltary and All.I am also Fema Certified in IS100,200,and 700 if assistance is need.719-391-8359
Posted by: Michele Location: Fowler on Apr 15, 2008 at 08:47 PM
I grew up in Ordway and it is difficult only getting bits and pieces of information on the damage. As far as the comment about the Superintendent, I know he is doing his best in a very difficult situation. Moving them to Sugar City bought them some time to make other arrangements. Don't judge until you know the entire situation.
Posted by: nicola Location: blue springs,mo on Apr 15, 2008 at 08:02 PM
it is a shame that has to happen to a very small town where our grandfather just spent his last dieing days and our cousins aunt and close family friends still reside there our grandmother just moved here to blue springs,mo five days ago and we are so blessed shes not left there to fend for herself i am stuned by all this and hope for the safety of everyone
Posted by: Laura Location: Colorado Springs on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:47 PM
My familiy is from Sugar City / Ordway. One member of my family already lost their house from the fire and other family is in and near the town. I haven't heard from them yet. We've been in contact with friends down there and they informed us that most of main street is burning and the post office is gone.
Posted by: MELANNIE Location: LAS VEGAS NV on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:41 PM
My prayers are with this community. Especially for my family and friends. I grew up there and most of my family still live in the surrounding areas. It is very hard being so far away and not being able to help. Please pray with me for the safety of all of the residents in this community and for all of the volunteers who are risking their lives to help someone else out.
Posted by: Elizabeth Location: Las Vegas, NM on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:31 PM
My mother lives in Ordway. I heard about the fire from my daughter living in Pueblo. I have been looking online for videos and updates.
Posted by: Charlotte Location: Cincinnati, OH on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:28 PM
I live in Cincinnati area of Ohio. My 77 year old grandmother live in Ordway and I have had no luck reaching her. Tried calling the Town Hall with no luck. If anyone has contact with people in sugar City and can have Mildred Wyatt or Tonya Slocum call Charlotte at 513-720-5625. My email is: allwrappedupcandies@gmail.com Thank you
Posted by: john Location: lamar on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:21 PM
i have a friend who is on scene and said two firefighters have lost their lives fighting the blaze
Posted by: kyle Location: home on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:09 PM
We can see the smoke from our home, and it looks as if its getting closer to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, BUT EVERTHINGS OK AT THE PARK!!!!
Posted by: Tracey Location: Tennessee on Apr 15, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Still have a house there. The ones I care about are safe for now, but not sounding good for the town. It was just a matter of time with the brush and wind.
Posted by: Jon Location: Colorado Springs on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Terry Barton was released from prison, make you wonder.
Posted by: Richard Location: Formerly of Ordway on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:31 PM
The Superintendent of Schools has to be an idiot. 90% of the wind comes from the west and he takes the students to a town East of Ordway, across 5 miles of tinder dry ground? Now he moves them to another location which could also be in the path of the fire. Not too bright!
Posted by: Sarah Location: Colo. Springs on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:30 PM
I've been listening to the broadcast of these fires... they are important but I have to say, as a victim of a fire myself YOU people are horrid. To cover the devastation and to repeatedly go over this is just horrid. Do you realize yes, family members want to know what is going on but they don't want it drilled over and over. I'm so apalled at the moment. You do not need to ask repeatedly those stupid questions. In 72 when I lost my father and our home to a fire you all we not much brighter then, the report said my brother had died. You repeatedly showed views of our home burning down. I don't think you all realize how hurtful it can be. I'm sorry but 30 minutes of coverage... showing those poor families devastation is unreal. And to think they will see this over and over .... YOU reminding them of the life changing event that has happened. I'm just livid.
Posted by: Joe Location: East of Pueblo - Blende on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Today, earlier I saw residents well east of Pueblo, near Vineland, burning trash and such, still 25 miles away but come on people of Colorado! Do not burn when the air is dry and the wind is up.
Posted by: Eve Location: Bossier City. LA on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:23 PM
chapparral is cutting prices for fire refugees, got a room for less then 60 for 2 people and animals, mother informed me on cell.
Posted by: Eve Location: Bossier City. LA on Apr 15, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Chapparal, cutting prices for refugees of fire... mother is from ordway and was able to get one for her, son and animals for under 60. mother said seem to have rooms open.
Posted by: Koni Location: Rush, CO on Apr 15, 2008 at 05:48 PM
My name is Koni Fletcher, and I'm a volenteer firefighter for the Tri-County Fire Departmant. Our team is now heading out to help... I am not allowed to go, due to age and laws about being out past a certain time. :( I'll keep reading up on this.
Posted by: Zane Location: La junta CO on Apr 15, 2008 at 05:44 PM
As i was riding home from school I could see the smoke from here it is terrible.It is a relly bad fire from what i see
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