Badger Hole Fire Update

View: Full size Badger Fire Map

As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, most recent totals of the Badger Hole Fire, which began April 17 in the early hours of the afternoon and is located in eastern Baca County and western Kansas, is 48,455 acres, with 33,384 acres in Colorado and 15,026 acres in Kansas; it is currently 85 percent contained. Multiple homes and outbuildings have been lost; livestock losses are being reported but verified numbers were not available at time of this release. Those who have lost livestock or property should document all losses with location details and photographic evidence.

There are now 31 agencies, involving over 100 personnel including command staff and a 30-man hand crew. A new command team arrived to relieve local command staff. Southeast Colorado Power Association is working feverishly to restore power to those affected.

The Baca County Salvation Army Service Extension Unit has established a comfort station and is providing nourishment for responders. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced homeowners and anyone needing help can contact them at the Walsh Wesleyan Church, 43000 US Highway 160, Walsh Colorado, 719.324.5500.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation for recovery efforts related to the Badger Hole Fire, may do so at the Frontier Bank, P.O. Box 99, Walsh, CO, 81090, 719.324.5200. Make checks payable to: Southeast Emergency Preparedness Alliance with “Walsh Fire Recovery” in the memo line.

The parking lot of the American Legion Post #48 in Walsh Colorado is the designated collection point for all agriculture-related donations such as feed and fencing supplies. Contact the Baca County Sheriff’s office (719.523.6677) to make an agriculture donation and someone will be sent to assist in the unloading and organizing.