The Hayman fire was the largest forest fire ever recorded in Colorado (138,000 acres).  It literally went around our property, but fortunately we were spared.  133 homes were destroyed and upwards of 5,000 people were evacuated.  There were 2,700 federal firefighters camped out in Lake George and our own air force of about 12 water dropping helicopters in a field down the road from the fire fighter encampment.  Additionally, water and slurry bombers were used extensively.

In addition to the federal firefighting effort, our local fire departments were responsible for saving a number of homes including ours by clearing burnable debris near houses, turning off propane tanks and cutting down trees too close to houses.  In some cases they actually stayed with homes as the fire raged around them spraying water and smothering ground fire.

Most importantly, at least for us, were the nights and early mornings they worked to stop the fire from jumping the road used as fire break.  Had they not been successful in putting out the fires that were started from floating embers our property and house would have been toast – literally!