American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

This story is written by Red Cross volunteer in Public Affairs Allen Crabtree.

The Waldo Canyon wildfire broke out on June 23 and engulfed thousands of acres of forest, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents.  As of July 4, the fire was more than 80% contained and residents were being allowed to return to their homes.  For many it was a bittersweet return as they found their homes completely destroyed.  Everyone will have to face the emotional impact of the tragedy and the daunting physical task of cleaning up the smoke, ash and fire debris that covers everything in these neighborhoods.

While the wildfire raged and people were displaced from their homes the American Red Cross provided them safe shelters to stay and important comfort and tangible support.  Now that neighborhoods are opening to returning residents the Red Cross is there to provide additional support.

One of these is the Service Delivery Site opened on July 4^th by the Red Cross in the heart of Waldo Canyon area.   Here residents of this small mountain community may obtain cleanup supplies and tools, water, and snacks at no cost.  The Site is also staffed with Red Cross health, mental health and client case workers to provide additional disaster emergency assistance as needed.

Todd Vesely is a Red Cross volunteer who manages and organizes the fleet of Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) assigned to theColorado Springswildfire relief effort.  These ERVs and their crews help distribute supplies to residents into the areas affected by the wildfire, and four of the ERVs have set up the Service Delivery Site inChapedaPark.

“We have an important job to do here, and I am very pleased with all of the volunteers we have who are helping these communities get back on their feet,” said Vesely.  “I am particularly pleased with Aaron Frumin, a local Colorado Springs Red Cross volunteer who is in charge of the Service Delivery Site at the Ute Pass Elementary School in Chapeda Park.  Aaron and his ERV crews are doing a great job.  They typify what the American Red Cross is all about – helping our neighbors in their times of need.”

On the first day the Service Delivery Site was open nearly 40 families visited it for supplies and assistance. Chapeda Park resident Larry Wickes and his son Buddy were some of the first in line as the Site opened.

“My family and I were very fortunate – the fire spared our home,” said Wickes as Red Cross volunteers help load his car with cleaning supplies. “But we have a lot of ash and fire debris in our neighborhood, to say nothing about the visiting bears and the spoiled food in the refrigerator.  It is going to be a major job to clean everything up.  I really appreciate the Red Cross being here and helping our little community out at this difficult time.”