Cameron Peak Fire may Cause Red Feather Lakes Evacuations

Steven Bonifazi

Residents lined up to receive re-entry permits Wednesday, August 19 in Red Feather Lakes due to the ongoing Cameron Peak wildfire.

The rumor had it that many residents were told that evacuation of the town was very likely to take place Thursday, August 20. The line for re-entry permits took place outside of the Red Feather Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and currently had a wait time of two and a half hours.

“I’m playing it safe, I have someone coming up with a truck and all my stuff is already packed up,” said an employee at Red Feather Super.

Signs have been posted by the Larimer County Sherriff’s restricting access to areas that may be dangerous for residents. While evacuation has not yet been confirmed, many residents are trying to cope with the stress of not knowing what will happen.

“We do know because they update us a few times a day, but it’s just a fact that fire is so unpredictable, you don’t know,” said David Mecherle, a residential property owner in Red Feather Lakes. “I think most people that live up here, it is the unknown that puts stress on people,” David said.

David’s wife and employee at Red Feather Super grocery store Kate Mecherle stated that there is a lot of locals that are getting heirlooms out of their homes and taking pictures off the walls that they want to keep. Additionally, Kate worries that if the fire reaches over a nearby ridge, that the voluntary evacuations will become mandatory.

he county has released information about where to get permits for re-entry. can you please update the story asap for print? And, please make sure to revise it from the perspective that someone might read this on Wednesday or Friday of next week.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Larimer County Office of Emergency Management will be issuing credentials for residents and property owners Friday, August 21 from 8 am to 4 pm at the Larimer County Courthouse to validate their residency and access reentry post-fire or when it is safe to return.

The following documentation is required to receive credentials:

• Government-issued photo ID with an address inside the affected area
• Copy of a utility bill with your name and address inside the affected area
• Larimer County Assessor record of property ownership inside the affected area
• Rental agreement/lease with your name and address inside the affected area
• If you do not have the above documentation, bring what you can to prove where you live – we will work with you to meet the requirements for credentials

Only one credential will be issued for each home/property. Additionally, if additional evacuations are ordered, they may be in place for a long period of time.

Additional tips to consider ahead of evacuation notifications are as follows:

• Have medications and essential needs packed and ready to go.
• If you think you will need assistance evacuating, call 970-498-7120 now so that we can help you make a plan.
• If you do not feel safe, you do not need to wait for an evacuation to leave! Your life is your most important asset!
• If you are evacuated, drive carefully, and obey regular traffic laws.
• Do not drive through flames or thick smoke.

For more information regarding the Cameron Peak wildfire including updates, visit: https://northfortynews.com/category/news/cameron-pass-fire-grows-forcing-evacuations/