Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #MarshallFire
Most recents (24)
Many Colorado residents are unaware they’re now at risk from wildfires because federal and state wildfire forecasts and maps haven’t kept pace with the increased danger.
A 🧵 👇
A 🧵 👇
2/ The December 2021 #MarshallFire showed Colorado and the West that fire danger is no longer limited to homes next to forests. Even urban areas are threatened.
But Colorado is one of only 8 states without a minimum construction standard for homes.
propublica.org/article/colora…
But Colorado is one of only 8 states without a minimum construction standard for homes.
propublica.org/article/colora…
3/ Some of America’s fastest-growing areas are in arid Western states prone to wildfires.
Between 1990-2020, the number of new homes built in Colorado’s wildland-urban interface areas more than doubled..
propublica.org/article/colora…
Between 1990-2020, the number of new homes built in Colorado’s wildland-urban interface areas more than doubled..
propublica.org/article/colora…
@NWSAlbuquerque @Bewickwren I understand the current constraints, but this is where I'd suggest a change is needed: the public have a right to be alerted if there's an evacuation order anywhere in their county/S.A.M.E area. Such an alert could simply be a general "There's a wildfire in X County ..."
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@NWSAlbuquerque @Bewickwren 2/ "... and local evacuations have been issued. Please go to <website of agency having jurisdiction> to get more information."
That's all that's needed. People just need to know and they have to have a way to know when all other comms are out (e.g., internet, cell phones,
That's all that's needed. People just need to know and they have to have a way to know when all other comms are out (e.g., internet, cell phones,
@NWSAlbuquerque @Bewickwren 3/ landlines, etc.
Currently, it's such a hodgepodge of so many alerting providers, etc. that people simply aren't getting the message. A fire situation can be every bit as dangerous as a tornado, so why can't we figure out a system to alert people in the same way?
Currently, it's such a hodgepodge of so many alerting providers, etc. that people simply aren't getting the message. A fire situation can be every bit as dangerous as a tornado, so why can't we figure out a system to alert people in the same way?
Many family pets were killed when thousands of Coloradans lost their homes in the #MarshallFire. Let's cover the pet adoption fees when those families are ready again and fund pet boarding costs for displaced families. You've donated $70k in 30 minutes: give.boulderhumane.org/campaign/marsh… 
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley provided care and boarding for pets rescued from the fire. And @HumaneBoulder is covering the cost to board pets for families who can't bring them to temporary housing. And providing food and supplies to impacted families.
Through your Word of Thanks microgiving campaign, @HumaneBoulder will cover the costs of boarding or temporary foster placements for the pets of displaced families for as long as needed - and cover the adoption fees for families who lost pets in the fire: give.boulderhumane.org/campaign/marsh…
I was struggling to grasp the geography & speed of the #MarshallFire.
So using Google Earth data and emergency radio chatter analyzed by @JenBrownColo and @JesseAPaul, I made a video to illustrate those first hours in a graspable way.
Read 👉 coloradosun.com/2022/01/06/mar…
Watch 👇
So using Google Earth data and emergency radio chatter analyzed by @JenBrownColo and @JesseAPaul, I made a video to illustrate those first hours in a graspable way.
Read 👉 coloradosun.com/2022/01/06/mar…
Watch 👇
I'm happy I was able to contribute something to the frankly world-class coverage of #MarshallFire that my @ColoradoSun colleagues have produced over the last 191 hours.
It's all here, from breaking news to insurance help to wildfire prep resources 👇
coloradosun.com/marshallfire
It's all here, from breaking news to insurance help to wildfire prep resources 👇
coloradosun.com/marshallfire
@ColoradoSun There are (many) days where I tango with my feelings about journalism — learning how the system actually works makes optimism hard to come by.
But covering this devastating fire has been a sobering reminder that useful, verified information is *crucial* during these events.
But covering this devastating fire has been a sobering reminder that useful, verified information is *crucial* during these events.
I am seeing and receiving pushback for being a climate scientist speaking out about the #MarshallFire. I understand this perspective. 1) It's difficult to attribute the #ClimateCrisis to any single event, and 2) this event was extremely complex. But hear me out. 1/
1) The #MarshallFire was either a reminder or a wakeup call that whether you live up the canyon (like I do) or on the plains, 🔥 is an ongoing threat.
2) Climate-fire relationships are complex, but due to the #ClimateCrisis, we need to learn to live with 🔥 more than ever. 2/
2) Climate-fire relationships are complex, but due to the #ClimateCrisis, we need to learn to live with 🔥 more than ever. 2/
Hurricane force winds & human development were important factors in the #MarshallFire. But fuel configuration and moisture, and invasive species also important. Fuels include natural & human-derived.
One thing is clear to me. We all need to unite under the same umbrella. 3/
One thing is clear to me. We all need to unite under the same umbrella. 3/
I am here and I am tweeting #Boulder city council; just trying to get Spanish-language resources for #MarshallFire together, too.
Obviously the latter is more important, but I'll tweet what's relevant tonight, which may include but not be limited to: Discussion on emergency winter sheltering, assault weapons ban, 2022 workplan. And other stuff.
First an update on the #MarshallFire recovery efforts.
We're live now!
"On December 30th, a fire got out of control super quickly. Winds carried the fire and burned a town and a half down. It breaks my heart. I used to live there."
- @TheWeatherMegan
- @TheWeatherMegan
"Even though weather drives fire season, what sets the scene for something like this to happen is the climate of the area. ... We set a record in 2021 for the longest days without snow. It basically became a tinderbox for any fires."
- @TheWeatherMegan
- @TheWeatherMegan
We interviewed attorney Natascha O’Flaherty who helped East Troublesome Fire victims. She’s working with @JudyAmabileHD13 on reforms of wildfire insurance claims.
These are 5 things she said #MarshallFire victims who lost homes must do.
A thread 🧵
boulderreportinglab.org/2021/12/31/mar…
These are 5 things she said #MarshallFire victims who lost homes must do.
A thread 🧵
boulderreportinglab.org/2021/12/31/mar…
1. First, contact your insurance carrier.
O’Flaherty said it’s important to do this immediately – for both homeowners and renters.
Get a claim number and request a contact for an insurance adjuster.
O’Flaherty said it’s important to do this immediately – for both homeowners and renters.
Get a claim number and request a contact for an insurance adjuster.
2. Get a copy of your policy.
By law, companies have three business days to provide a copy of the insurance policy.
O’Flaherty said residents should then request a separate certified copy, which carriers must provide within 30 days.
By law, companies have three business days to provide a copy of the insurance policy.
O’Flaherty said residents should then request a separate certified copy, which carriers must provide within 30 days.
Some photos, footage, and commentary from yesterday's devastating #MarshallFire in Boulder County. All photos and videos taken at various points along South Boulder Road (north side of the fire, looking south, on 12/30/21). Winds were gusting around 90mph at the time. #COwx (1/4)
Fire behavior was as you'd expect in grass/brush amid extreme wind & drought conditions: rapid rates of spread, continuous spotting and periodic sheeting fire. Fire jumped 6-lane Hwy 36 like it was nothing, and there was a 2+ mile long active fireline. #MarshallFire #COwx (2/4)
Behavior and dynamics of the fire plume were fascinating...and scary. A nearly horizontal plume, tilted by extreme westerly downslope winds, transitioned into a shallow pyroCu plume at the top of a hydraulic jump within a pronounced mountain wave. #MarshallFire #COwx (3/4)
Snow is falling steadily in Superior but hundreds of homes are gone. This is along Andrew Dr, northeast of Indiana and Coalton. #MarshallFire
A house saved and house lost. On Bristol St in Superior.
The first photos off Andrew are northwest of the intersection, not northeast. I apologize for that error.
~30,000 people fled the #MarshallFire, one of the most terrifying experiences we can face. Today I am reflecting on the added anxiety and consequences of fleeing a #climatemergency disaster during the COVID pandemic. Here I'll share a personal story w/ a tiny bit of insight. 1/
Just outside Boulder, circa January 2021
Normally I love the sound of wind in the trees. But the winds were howling that day. It was difficult to ignore. The house was groaning, shifting. We were in full lockdown due to COVID-19. I was trying to stay busy. 2/
Normally I love the sound of wind in the trees. But the winds were howling that day. It was difficult to ignore. The house was groaning, shifting. We were in full lockdown due to COVID-19. I was trying to stay busy. 2/
My children were playing outside. Mommy I smell smoke...
At first I didn't smell anything. It was a red flag day. Everyone needed to be careful. But then I smelled it and we saw flames down the road. That is our only way out. What happened next was a blur. 3/
At first I didn't smell anything. It was a red flag day. Everyone needed to be careful. But then I smelled it and we saw flames down the road. That is our only way out. What happened next was a blur. 3/
#MarshallFire Amazing, yet dystopian photo from Good Samaratin Hospital, Louisville, Colorado. Uncredited photo from Reddit (would be nice to get the photographer's name, this is Pulitzer worthy) reddit.com/r/boulder/comm…
From Reddit: photographer is Melanie Lueras, a surgical tech at Good Samaritan hospital (taken on an iPhone 12).
I should have spelled Samaritan correctly in the original post, before the 48,560+ folks viewed that post. #typo
NEW: Boulder Sheriff says there are 2,000 homes in the #MarshallFire burn area but not all were lost. 500+ homes lost in Superior. Dozens more near Marshall. Dozens lost near Louisville. Will thread new details here.
This is astonishing good news given the speed and scope of the fire. No known deaths.
“In a blink of an eye, this was a disaster is fast motion,” said @GovofCO, who lives in Boulder County. “It’s unimaginable.” Gov Polis says he just spoke with President Biden who gave verbal approval to a disaster declaration.
UPDATE: #Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said no casualties reported yet. 2,000 homes in the burn area, but that does not mean all 2,000 were damaged or lost #MarshallFire
Pelle said winds died down last night and they were able to make some progress on #MarshallFire. Warned people to still stay away, still active fires, downed lines and other hazards.
"We saw a lot of risk we're still trying to mitigate."
"We saw a lot of risk we're still trying to mitigate."
Pelle said only one person was reported missing last night, but they were located. Given speed of fire and the number of homes destroyed, he said fact that no deaths have been reported yet is "pretty miraculous." #MarshallFire
Just over the scanner: "You're not going to be able to stop them all, try your best."
This is a deputy referring to large groups of people walking into the burn area. Again, please STAY AWAY from the #MarshallFire burn area
This is a deputy referring to large groups of people walking into the burn area. Again, please STAY AWAY from the #MarshallFire burn area
Also, these emergency workers are just trying to do their job, and have likely been on scene for hours now. I know we are all frustrated, but please don't take it out on them. They are just trying to keep everybody safe
To give you an idea, they just called out another structure fire and are now working on more road closures. The #MarshallFire is still very much an active fire
Dawn breaks at the Lafayette YMCA, where dozens of #MarshallFire evacuees spent the night. Some have left, though many still do not know the status of their homes. Most left in a hurry. Many folks in wheelchairs or with pets.
Kathy (declined to give last name), 72, is here with Rosie, her pincher-Chihuahua mix. Was headed to appointment in Superior when sky turned black and ash rained down.
"I panicked," she said. Rushed home for Rosie, neighbor told her to leave. "I had no idea where to go."
"I panicked," she said. Rushed home for Rosie, neighbor told her to leave. "I had no idea where to go."
Kathy followed her neighbor to the shelter, and now awaits news on her apartment. She moved here 5 years ago from New York.
"I'm not sure I like it here. There's nothing like this back east. Too much of this climate change stuff."
"I'm not sure I like it here. There's nothing like this back east. Too much of this climate change stuff."
If the #MarshallFire enters Rocky Flats, especially the still-off-limits central operable unit, where the worst radioactive pollution occurred, it would be reasonable to wonder if the smoke plumes carried plutonium contamination.
Independent analyses have identified plutonium particles even along Indiana Street, part of which is under evac orders. There's not much debate about whether there's plutonium in the soil, the point of contention is how much.
Advocates have argued against controlled burns at Rocky Flats precisely out of fear they would spew radioactive smoke into nearby neighborhoods.
🚨UPDATE 8PM - All evac & pre-evac maps for @broomfield & surrounding areas will now be updated by @BoulderOEM. Keep checking the following map throughout the evening for updates. By having one comprehensive map...it lessens confusion. bouldercounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappvie…
We will share updates on new evacs and pre-evacs as here too as they come in. We just won't be creating any new maps. @broomfield
This photo was taken by one of our patrol officers off of St. Andrews Lane in Superior this afternoon. @broomfield @NMFirePIO
Horrific situation in #bouldercounty
• No casualties, but "we would not be surprised if there are injuries and fatalities," sheriff said
• Entire Superior neighborhood of 370 homes, gone
• Couple hundred homes in Old Town Superior, gone
• 110 mph winds supercharged flames
• No casualties, but "we would not be surprised if there are injuries and fatalities," sheriff said
• Entire Superior neighborhood of 370 homes, gone
• Couple hundred homes in Old Town Superior, gone
• 110 mph winds supercharged flames
Also:
• Superior Marketplace, with the Super Target, on fire
• Element hotel in Superior, "fully engulfed"
• Superior Marketplace, with the Super Target, on fire
• Element hotel in Superior, "fully engulfed"
Today is a brutal reminder that you’re way more likely to become a climate refugee than you are a billionaire. Time to start acting like it #marshallfire #boulder
I wish I had some help or resources to offer, but like many I’m at home, out of the way, with a go-bag packed and a hope that winds fade soon. Thank you so much to all first responders, and for updates, Boulder OEM has been keeping info live here: boulderoem.com/emergency-stat…
Info on where to donate:
UPDATE: Per Sheriff Joe Pelle, #MarshallFire up to 1,600 acres. Estimate is 580 homes lost or damaged. One officer injured.
Of those 580, Pelle said 370 homes in east Superior, 210 in the Olde Town area. Target complex and Element Hotel also burned. #MarshallFire
Pelle said no missing people or deaths reported at this time, but given speed and scope of fire, "It wouldn't surprise us if we did find a casualty." #MarshallFire
HERE ARE THE DOGS FOUND AT DOG TAG (address confirmed) AND AT THE @HumaneBoulder!! (A thread..) please share!! #marshallfire #colorado #boulder #FOUNDPETS
Be sure to check the air in your tires and that you have plenty of gas. Plan at least 2 evac routes in case 1 is blocked or closed.
Gas Buddy to help you find nearest station with gas in your town.
tracker.gasbuddy.com/?q=Columbus,%2…
#MarshallFire #BoulderFires
Gas Buddy to help you find nearest station with gas in your town.
tracker.gasbuddy.com/?q=Columbus,%2…
#MarshallFire #BoulderFires
Prep to go...
Charge cell phones, pack chargers
Include power pack [if you have 1]
Get prepped to go. Including pets.
Gather meds, insurance papers, anything you'll need.
#MarshallFire #BoulderFires
Charge cell phones, pack chargers
Include power pack [if you have 1]
Get prepped to go. Including pets.
Gather meds, insurance papers, anything you'll need.
#MarshallFire #BoulderFires
If there's time take quick vids of all rooms in home. Include drawers/closets. Any upgrades. Do the outside of home, all sides. Don't forget sheds/garage/attic take pics/vids there too.
#MarshallFire #BoulderFires
#MarshallFire #BoulderFires
Conditions along South Boulder Road right now. #marshallfire #COwx
Unfortunately can confirm that numerous structures are now burning, many of them homes. This is an extreme/dangerous wildland-urban interface fire. Mainly Superior/Louisville. Gusts in excess of 80mph continue.
