Black Forest Fire

Credit: Peter McElvoy

Last year at this time we were talking about the worst wildfire in Colorado history.

The Waldo Canyon Fire burned for 17 days.  Here's what happened...

• 18,247 acres burned (29 sq mi)
• 32,000 residents were evacuated
• 346 homes were destroyed
• 2 people were killed
• $353 million in insurance claims were filed

This year its the Black Forest Fire, burning out of control.  In just 2 days...

• 15,000 acres have burned (23 sq mi)
• 38,000 residents are evacuated
• 360 homes have been destroyed

Black Forest 2013 will certainly pass Waldo Canyon 2012 to become the new "worst wildfire in Colorado history."

We are grateful to the Wildland Firefighters and Hot Shots battling this blaze.  We hope for full containment, soon!

Here are photos of the Black Forest Fire

Credit: Brennan Linsley/AP

Credit: CBS

Credit: Brennan Linsley/AP

Credit: Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/MCT via Getty

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post via Getty 

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post via Getty 

Credit: AP

Pot is Legal in Washington state and Colorado

On November 6, 2012, the lively battle of the Presidential election overwhelmed headlines.

Lost in the shuffle were stories such as the "Legalize Pot" vote in Washington state and Colorado.

Both states passed laws which legalize marijuana possession.  In fact, the new laws require each state to license commercial growers, plus make marijuana available for sale in stores next year.

This Fire Chief, Dominick Swinhart in Camas, WA, says he has no plans to do anything.

Former narcotics Police Officer, Neill Franklin, sent a letter to President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder asking the Federal government to respect the two state's new laws.  Here's a link to his letter and a list of the 73 Law Enforcement members who signed it.


The Police Chief, John Jackson, in Greenwood Village, CO has warned of "more impaired drivers."

EMTs are concerned that they will see more patient injuries and illnesses due to marijuana use.

And this week the Indiana State Police Superintendent, Paul Whitesell, said he would like to see pot legalized.

Wow.  So many questions come to mind.  How might this affect society?  How will the Federal government respond?  How will (or would) your Department respond?

If you have answers or thoughts, let us know!

Best place to do so is on our Facebook Post ... www.facebook.com/PublicSafetyStores