As wildfires continue to burn throughout our Mountain Sky Conference, please pray for those impacted by these disasters.
Pastor Janine Rose in
La Veta, Colorado, said the town is under pre-evacuation as it braces for the
Spring Fire, which has so far
burned more than 100,000 acres in the area. This fire is reported to be the
third largest in state history. The fire has already affected residents who live outside of town who have been evacuated. She reports that all members of the La Veta United Methodist Church are safe and accounted for. A local clergy group in town is offering emergency assistance and Janine is working with them to provide support. Paradise Acres in La Veta, where the home of newly retired Rev. Mike and Sharon Dent is located,
was burned through on July 5. Though many neighbors lost their homes, the Dent home survived, and this fire is reported to be 91% contained as of July 13.
According to
The Durango Herald, the 416 Fire—
which has burned over 54,000 acres since mid-June—prompted a 300-home evacuation still in effect. On July 9, the
Denver Post reported that
firefighters got the upper hand on the 416 and Spring fires over the weekend.
The Rev. David Lillie said the
Lake Christine Fire near
Basalt and
Thomasville, Colorado has forced evacuations, with many on alert. He reports that the church buildings are not threatened and no homes have been lost yet. The
Aspen Daily News reports
the fire has grown to about 4,900 acres.
The Salt Lake City Tribune reports that
at least 90 homes have been destroyed so far in the Dollar Ridge Fire near Fruitland, Utah.
Track these fires and more
via this map.
What can you do to help? The United Methodist Committee on Relief (
UMCOR) is ready to assist with recovery efforts, but they need our help. Please click the links below to donate to disaster response funds and learn how to build relief kits.
Resources
If you have a prayer request surrounding the wildfires, please email communications@mtnskyumc.org.
