Penley Fire jolts Douglas County
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Western Sedalia's Penley Fire was about 75% contained yesterday afternoon as mandatory evacuations were loosened.
Why it matters: Wildfire season is flaring up Douglas County and it's a stark reminder we live in a rapidly changing environment.
Catch up quick: The Penley Fire popped Sunday afternoon in a rugged, hilly area west of Castle Rock.
- Pano AI fire detection cameras picked up smoke Sunday, and several residents called 911.
- A Pano AI camera in June helped detect a lightning-strike fire west of Castle Rock.
The Penley Fire has burned three acres.
- At one time, officials said 12 structures were under threat.
Mike Alexander, Douglas County's director of emergency management, says it's in an "extremely challenging" area.
- More than 100 firefighters hiked about 30 minutes to reach the blaze.
- Helicopters made 47 water drops as of late yesterday afternoon.
Yes, but: That wasn't the only fire in Douglas County this past weekend.
- A small wildfire flared up in open space Saturday near Looking Glass Community Park.
- Ten helicopter water drops helped contain that fire, which threatened several homes.
💭 My thought bubble: I recently wrote about the county's move toward paving gravel roads — in part because they can become important evacuation routes.
- I also shared my go bag, which carries irreplaceable pieces from my past — old photos and the watch my grandfather gave me.
As I watched smoke roll across Parker over the weekend, I realized for the first time that I might actually need that bag.