Marshall Fire, Boulder, CO vs Luna Fire, Chacon, NM- Speculations and Concerns!

On December 30, 2021, the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, CO, became national news. According with the news in the Marshall Fire, 553 homes in Louisville, 332 homes in Superior and 106 homes in outlying areas, including Eldorado Canyon. Additionally, two people are considered missing and one dead.

 “The outcome of that investigation is vital there’s so much at stake. So, we’re going to be careful. We’re going to be professional. We’re going to bring in the best people in the country. We’re going to do this right and we’re not going to rush.” Sheriff Joe Pelle, stated.

 Many of these people in Boulder were preparing to welcome the new year, and instead of celebrating they are dealing with the loss of their homes, personal belongings and for some loss of family members.

 We feel sorry for those affected, but the experiences of others should serve a lesson to us and to work harder to prevent such disasters in our forested communities.

 Authorities in Boulder, CO appear to be working to find the cause of the fire and those responsible for it. 

 Though not as serious as the Marshall Fire, we do need to have an answer as to the cause of the Luna Fire. The ecological damage--loss of grazing land, ash and fire retardant sediment in our river and acequias, washed out pastures—will linger.  As well, some homeowners are being contacted by property insurance agents that their homes are now uninsurable due to being in a "Wildfire Area”, so property values will be affected.

 Despite persistent queries, including a Freedom of Information Request to the Forest Service, a local community member has only received the same answer that the cause “remains under investigation". This week it will be 15 months since the Luna Fire ignited.

 However, this past spring and summer a Burned Area Emergency Response team with the Forest Service conducted repair operations including the removal of hazard trees, road repair and stabilization and other fire rehabilitation efforts. So, they clean and repair, then what else? If the U.S. Forest Service uses employees trained in wildland fire origin and cause determination to conduct these types of investigations, why is there still an ongoing investigation?  

 Meanwhile, there are many speculations about what started this fire: the crash of a military plane, or drone, a meteor, an unidentified flying object, a refueling exercise of planes gone wrong as they drop into the valley and fly over our homes and hear trembling and loud roars.?  We the people need to know what caused this fire. 

 God continues to protect us from events like the Marshall Fire or that in Paradise, CA, but we also have to do our part and not do reckless acts, especially in this drought. Do your diligence and God will help us! I knock on wood and wondering, would the county be prepared for evacuation and shelter-in operations?

  We the people need to know what caused this fire and hopefully how to prevent it.

What do you think?