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July 3rd, 2012 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda By MEAD GRUVER and DAN ELLIOTT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The deadly crash of a military cargo plane fighting a South Dakota wildfire forced officials to ground seven other Air Force air tankers, removing critical firefighting aircraft from the skies during one of the busiest and most destructive wildfire seasons ever to hit the West.
The C-130 from an Air National Guard wing based in Charlotte, N.C., was carrying a crew of six and fighting a 6.5-square-mile blaze in the Black Hills of South Dakota when it crashed Sunday, killing at least one crew member and injuring others.
President Barack Obama offered thoughts and prayers to the crew and their families. “The men and women battling these terrible fires across the West put their lives on the line every day for their fellow Americans,” he said in a statement.
The crash cut the number of large air tankers fighting this summer’s outbreak of wildfires by one-third.
The military put the remaining seven C-130s on an “operational hold,” keeping them on the ground indefinitely. That left 14 federally contracted heavy tankers in use until investigators gain a better understanding of what caused the crash.
“You’ve basically lopped off eight air tankers immediately from your inventory, and that’s going to make it tougher to fight wildfires,” said Mike Archer, who distributes a daily newsletter of wildfire news.
“And who knows how long the planes will be down?” he said, adding that investigators will take time to make their conclusions.
Obama signed a bill last month hastening the addition of seven large tanker planes to the nation’s rundown aerial firefighting fleet, at a cost of $24 million, but the first planes won’t be available until mid-August.
C-130 air tankers have crashed on firefighting duty before. In 2002, a privately owned civilian version of an older-model C-130 crashed in California, killing three crew members. The plane broke up in flight and an investigation blamed fatigue cracks in the wings.
The crash, in part, prompted a review of the airworthiness of large U.S. air tankers and led ultimately to a greatly reduced fleet of large civilian tanker planes. The 44 planes in the fleet a decade ago has dwindled to nine being flown on U.S. Forest Service exclusive use contracts right now.
Another aerial firefighting plane, the Lockheed P2V, has had some problems in recent months. One crashed in Utah, killing the two pilots, and another one crash-landed in Nevada.
A military spokesman said he did not know when the grounded planes would resume firefighting flights. They were used to fight fires in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota.
The C-130s can be loaded with a device called the Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or MAFFS. The system can drop 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant within seconds through a modified side door toward the rear of the plane.
The military planes had been filling up with fire retardant and flying out of Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.
The U.S. Forest Service, which owns the MAFFS devices and coordinates the program with the military, expressed support for the decision to stand down the MAFFS.
However, as a result, the Forest Service now will have to prioritize fires and the resources allocated to fight them, said Jennifer Jones, a Forest Service spokeswoman at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.
Fires threatening human life will be a top priority, followed by those threatening communities and community infrastructure, other types of property, and finally natural and cultural resources, she said.
“The bottom line is, we will continue to do our best to fulfill our responsibility to protect the public, communities and cultural and natural resources during wildfires with the assets that we have available,” she said.
Firefighters in the field also will adjust their strategy and tactics based on the availability of air tankers.
The plane that crashed was fighting a fire about 80 miles southwest of Rapid City, S.D. The terrain of the crash site is “very, very rugged, straight up and straight down cliffs,” said Frank Maynard, the Fall River County emergency management director.
Military officials declined to say whether anyone was killed, but they confirmed there were some crew members who were being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in Rapid City.
The family of Lt. Col. Paul Mikeal of Mooresville, N.C., said they were told early Monday that he had died in the crash They said he was a 42-year-old married father of two and a veteran of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“There were lives lost,” Lt. Col. Robert Carver of the North Carolina National Guard said at a news conference. “We are very grateful for the survivors and our thoughts and prayers and hearts go out to the families that have lost loved ones.”
Among the major fires burning in the West Monday:
– Colorado: The 28-square-mile Waldo Canyon Fire was 70 percent contained. The fire northwest of Colorado Springs killed two people and destroyed nearly 350 homes.
– Utah: Two new wildfires broke out on National Forest lands, one caused by target shooting, authorities said. In southern Utah, evacuations were ordered as the 500-acre Shingle fire threatened about 100 cabins.
– Montana: The 290-square mile Ash Creek fire jumped a state highway early Monday, triggering evacuations.
– Wyoming: Three large forest fires continued to spread as crews faced erratic winds and explosive fuel conditions.
—
Dan Elliott reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Paul Foy in Salt Lake City; Keith Ridler in Boise, Idaho; Michael Biesecker in Raleigh, N.C.; and Blake Nicholson in Bismarck, N.D., contributed to this report.
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire are seen from the air in a neighborhood on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: A burned truck is viewed in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Homes and cars destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire are seen from the air in a neighborhood on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire are seen from the air in a neighborhood on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire are seen from the air in a neighborhood on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: A man stands near homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire are seen from the air in a neighborhood on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Destroyed homes sit beside a home left untouched by fire in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Destroyed homes sit beside home left untouched by fire in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Destroyed homes sit beside home left untouched by fire in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Destroyed homes sit beside home left untouched by fire in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: A destroyed home is viewed in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: A burned truck is viewed in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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WALDO CANYON FIRE
President Barack Obama talks with firefighters as he tours the Mountain Shadow neighborhood devastated by wildfires, Friday, June 29, 2012, in, Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Mark Reis)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Cars pass an area affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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WALDO CANYON FIRE
President Barack Obama and Congressman Doug Lamborn survey damage from The Waldo Canyon Fire along Majestic Drive, Friday, June 29, 2012, in, Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Mark Reis)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Smoke billows at sunrise from part of the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Barack Obama
Secret Service watch from a tower as President Barack Obama aboard Air Force One leaves the airport in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Friday, June 29, 2012, after surveying damage from the Waldo Canyon wildfire and thanking first responders. The fire destroyed nearly 350 homes and killed one person. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Major Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Over 30,000 Near Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 30: Smoke billows at sunrise from part of the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. The fire was estimated at 17,073 acres and was 25 precent contained with some evacuees being let back into their neighborhoods. A second body has been located in a burned home while others are still reported missing. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Barack Obama
President Barack Obama waves as he boards Air Force One in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Friday, June 29, 2012, after surveying damage from the Waldo Canyon wildfire and thanking first responders. The fire destroyed nearly 350 homes and killed one person. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Members of Bighorn 209, a hand crew from the Crow Agency in Montana check for hot spots on the Waldo Canyon Fire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. After declaring a “major disaster” in the state early Friday and promising federal aid, President Barack Obama got a firsthand view of the wildfires and their toll on residential communities. More than 30,000 people have been evacuated in what is now the most destructive wildfire in state history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Members of Bighorn 209, a hand crew from the Crow Agency in Montana check for hot spots on the Waldo Canyon Fire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. After declaring a “major disaster” in the state early Friday and promising federal aid, President Barack Obama got a firsthand view of the wildfires and their toll on residential communities. More than 30,000 people have been evacuated in what is now the most destructive wildfire in state history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Members of Bighorn 209, a hand crew from the Crow Agency in Montana check for hot spots from the Waldo Canyon Fire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. After declaring a “major disaster” in the state early Friday and promising federal aid, President Barack Obama got a firsthand view of the wildfires and their toll on residential communities. More than 30,000 people have been evacuated in what is now the most destructive wildfire in state history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Members of Bighorn 209, a hand crew from the Crow Agency in Montana check for hot spots on the Waldo Canyon Fire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. After declaring a “major disaster” in the state early Friday and promising federal aid, President Barack Obama got a firsthand view of the wildfires and their toll on residential communities. More than 30,000 people have been evacuated in what is now the most destructive wildfire in state history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Members of Bighorn 209, a hand crew from the Crow Agency in Montana check for hot spots on the Waldo Canyon Fire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. After declaring a “major disaster” in the state early Friday and promising federal aid, President Barack Obama got a firsthand view of the wildfires and their toll on residential communities. More than 30,000 people have been evacuated in what is now the most destructive wildfire in state history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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This infrared image provided by DigitalGlobe shows an aerial view of the Waldo Canyon Fire, June 28, 2012 in Colorado. The bright red areas denote healthy vegetation. This raging Colorado wildfire destroyed an estimated 346 homes this week, making it the most destructive fire in the state’s history, officials said Friday June 29, 2012. (AP Photo/DigitalGlobe)
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Firefighters from Colorado Springs Fire Dept. gather after coming off the fire on the the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. One person has been found dead, another is missing and nearly 350 homes have been destroyed by a raging U.S. wildfire that has forced tens of thousands to flee this week. President Barack Obama on Friday will tour the scene of the most destructive fire in Colorado history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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WALDO CANYON FIRE
President Barack Obama talks with firefighters as he tours the Mountain Shadow neighborhood devastated by wildfires, Friday, June 29, 2012, in, Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Mark Reis)
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Several firefighters from Colorado Springs Fire Dept. get massages after coming off the fire line on the the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. One person has been found dead, another is missing and nearly 350 homes have been destroyed by a raging U.S. wildfire that has forced tens of thousands to flee this week. President Barack Obama on Friday will tour the scene of the most destructive fire in Colorado history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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A firefighters from Aurora Fire Dept. refuels after coming off the fire on the the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday, June 29, 2012. One person has been found dead, another is missing and nearly 350 homes have been destroyed by a raging U.S. wildfire that has forced tens of thousands to flee this week. President Barack Obama on Friday will tour the scene of the most destructive fire in Colorado history. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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In this aerial photo, the charred lots of homes burned to the ground by the Waldo Canyon fire line the streets of the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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The sun sets on the front range where the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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Some homes are left scorched by The Waldo Canyon Fire, while others survived, in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
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This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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A helicopter drops water as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
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Small fires smolder in the Mountain Shadows area as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
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A helicopter flies past the charred mountainside above Queens Canyon as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
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A helicopter drops water as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
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A C-130 from Peterson Air Force Base flies past Pikes Peak Thursday, June 28, 2012 during a flight over the Waldo Canyon Fire burning west of Colorado Springs, Colo. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by a raging wildfire that has encroached on the state’s second-largest city and threatened the U.S. Air Force Academy. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Mark Reis)
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A helicopters flies over as the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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The Waldo Canyon fire invades the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A plume of smoke from the Waldo Canyon wildfire rises behind homes west of Colorado Springs, Colo., Wednesday, June 27, 2012. A large number of homes were destroyed by the fire Tuesday night in subdivisions west of Colorado Springs. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Helicopters fly over as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
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A helicopter heads out for a drop to battle the Waldo Canyon Fire north and west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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After being grounded for hours by high winds, a helicopter takes off to battle the Waldo Canyon Fire north and west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Pikes Peak is shrouded in orange smoke as the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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A helicopter flies over as the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents.(AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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A plume of smoke rises from Ute Pass in the direction of Woodland Park as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
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WALDO CANYON FIRE
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This aerial photo taken on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, shows burned homes in the Mountain Shadows residential area of Colorado Springs, Colo., that were destroyed by the Waldo Canyon wildfire. More than 30,000 have been displaced by the fire, including thousands who frantically packed up belongings Tuesday night after it barreled into neighborhoods in the foothills west and north of Colorado’s second-largest city. (AP Photo/John Wark)
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A slurry bomber drops fire retardant on the Waldo Canyon Fire Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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In this image provided by NASA the MODIS instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured an image of the Waldo Canyon Fire on Tuesday June 26, 2012. Thick smoke, partially obscured by clouds, is visible blowing toward the northeast. The red outlines indicate hotspots where MODIS detected unusually warm surface temperatures associated with fires. Shifting winds challenged firefighters trying to contain the 29-square-mile Waldo Canyon blaze and extinguish hot spots inside the city’s western suburbs. Winds were calmer Wednesday night. (AP Photo/NASA, MODIS Rapid Response Team)
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WALDO CANYON FIRE
Light smoke is visible in Queen’s Canyon as the sun sets on the fifth day of the Waldo Canyon Fire burning west of Colorado Springs, Colo. Wednesday, June 27, 2012. On Tuesday the fire jumped Queen’s Canyon to begin it’s run into Colorado Springs where it destroyed several homes. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette,Mark Reis )
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A helicopter tries to put out fire on the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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Parkside neighborhood in Mt. Shadow.
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A plume of smoke rises behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. A large number of homes were destroyed by the fire Tuesday night in subdivisions west of Colorado Springs. Authorities say it remains too dangerous for them to fully assess the damage from a destructive wildfire threatening Colorado’s second-largest city. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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CO Wildfire 2012
Veiw from Garden of Gods Road
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire, Rich Brown
Colorado Springs Fire Chief Rich Brown, right, speaks at a briefing on the Waldo Canyon wildfire in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Authorities say it remains too dangerous for them to fully assess the damage from a destructive wildfire threatening Colorado’s second-largest city. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire burns as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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Houses in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colorado ignite due to the Waldo Canyon fire on Wednesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
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Homes are destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. A stubborn and towering wildfire jumped firefighters’ perimeter lines in the hills overlooking Colorado Springs, forcing frantic mandatory evacuation notices for more than 9,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette,Jerilee Bennett)
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Western Wild Fires
Flames and smoke from the Waldo Canyon Fire surround a home as it races down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction and burning homes and buildings in it’s path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Western Wild Fires
Flames of the Waldo Canyon Fire races down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 201. The flames approach a residential neighborhood heading north and leaving a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in it’s path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Western Wild Fires
Flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire move quickly move through the western side Colorado Springs, Colo. causing several structures and homes to burn on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The fire made a massive run late in the day leaving a trail of destruction, and burning homes and buildings in it’s path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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The Waldo Canyon Fire begins to burn homes north of Garden of the Gods Road in northwest Colorado Springs, Colo., on the fourth day of the blaze Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A plume of smoke is seen over Interstate 25 as the Waldo Canyon wildfire moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A helicopter tries to put out fire on the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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A helicopter returns to Glen Eyrie Reservoir to refill water tanks to fight the Waldo Canyon wildfire Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire spread to the north as afternoon winds spread embers into the air. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Karl Gehring)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)
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A man stops quickly to get some video before running away from approaching flames of the Waldo Canyon Fire as it raced down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction and burning homes and buildings in its path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Western Wild Fires
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Simon Wach, right, his sister Susan Fox and her daughter Karalea watch a plume of smoke rise from the Waldo Canyon Fire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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The skies are black and glow orange from as the Waldo Canyon Fire which races through portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in its path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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People flee the Waldo Canyon Fire with little time to spare as the fire burns through neighborhoods west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The blaze left a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in it’s path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Firefighters get ready to head into neighborhoods which were caught by the Waldo Canyon Fire after it swept down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in its path. Heavily populated areas in the fire’s path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Angela Morgan, Jan Stone
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Waldo Fire
Waldo Fire photo taken from Daniel’s Park
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Angela Morgan, Jan Stone
Firefighters stir from their tents and sleeping bags at a firefighter camp at Holmes Middle School in Colorado Springs, Colo. early Tuesday morning, June 26, 2012, to begin work on the fourth day of the Waldo Canyon Fire burning west of Colorado Springs. Firefighters are battling to keep the Waldo Canyon fire from reaching the Air Force Academy and residential areas north of Colorado Springs. It’s burned about 8 square miles and is only 5 percent contained. But so far, it’s only destroyed a shed. About 5,000 people remain evacuated from their homes. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Mark Reis) NO MAGS, NO SALES
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Angela Morgan, Jan Stone
A slurry bomber drops retardant on the Waldo Canyon Fire on a ridge above Queen’s Canyon in Colorado Springs, Colo. Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Firefighters are battling to keep the Waldo Canyon fire from reaching the Air Force Academy and residential areas north of Colorado Springs. It’s burned about 8 square miles and is only 5 percent contained. But so far, it’s only destroyed a shed. About 5,000 people remain evacuated from their homes. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Mark Reis) NO MAGS, NO SALES
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A helicopter battles the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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A helicopter and another aircraft battle the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Ken Anderson, a firefighter with the the Colorado Springs Fire Department Task Force I unit, takes a weather reading as large plume of smoke rises from the Waldo Canyon Fire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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A helicopter battles the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A plume of smoke rises above the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Monday afternoon, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least eight wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A plume of smoke rises above the Waldo Canyon fire west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
The Waldo Canyon wildfire blazes through tree tops west of Manitou Springs, Colo., Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire, Manitou Springs
The Waldo Canyon wildfire burns on a ridge west of Manitou Springs, Colo., Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon Fire
A helicopter heads towards a reservoir in the Kissing Camels Resort to collect water in efforts to fight the Waldo Canyon Fire on Monday, June 25, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Susannah Kay)
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Waldo Canyon wildfire
Fire burns behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. As many as 5,000 people are still evacuated from their homes because of the fire that began Saturday. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon wildfire
Fire burns behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. As many as 5,000 people are still evacuated from their homes because of the fire that began Saturday. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Waldo Canyon Wildfire
A helicopter drops a bucket of water on fire burning behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. As many as 5,000 people are still evacuated from their homes because of the fire that began Saturday. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
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Colorado Springs Fire
Leaping flames race across a ridge as the Waldo Canyon Fire burned 2500 acres west of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012 making the evening sky glow. The fire is zero percent contained. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were taking place across the west side of Colorado Springs. Tankers were dropping fire retardant in front of the advancing flames. ( AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Colorado Springs Fire
Smoke and flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire has consumed 2500 acres west of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire is zero percent contained. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were taking place across the west side of Colorado Springs. Tankers were dropping fire retardant in front of the advancing flames. ( AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Colorado Springs Fire
The evening sky glows orange as smoke and flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire has consumed 2500 acres west of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire is zero percent contained. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were taking place across the west side of Colorado Springs. Tankers were dropping fire retardant in front of the advancing flames. ( AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Colorado Springs Fire
A giant plume from the Waldo Canyon Fire hovers high above Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire is zero percent contained and has consumed 2500 acres. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were taking place across the west side of Colorado Springs. Tankers were dropping fire retardant in front of the advancing flames. ( AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Waldo Canyon Fire
Manitou Springs residents try to return home after being evacuated as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Waldo Canyon Fire
Smoke clouds Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Waldo Canyon Fire
Sharla Peterson, a resident of Manitou Springs, takes photos of people returning after being evacuated as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Susan Fox and her daughter Kaylehana, 4, watch the Waldo Canyon Fire burn near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Angela Morgan
Mountain Shadows resident Angela Morgan gathers valuables Tuesday, June 26, 2012, afte being given 30 minutes to back into her Colorado Springs, Colo. home. She was evacuated from the home Sunday due to the The Waldo Canyon Fire burning west of Colorado Springs. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Mark Reis) NO MAGS, NO SALES
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Angela Morgan, Jan Stone
Smoke from the Waldo Canyon Fire rises over Mountain Shadows as Angela Morgan, left, and Jan Stone embrace Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Morgan was evacuated from her Mountain Shadows home over the weekend and Stone helped her retrieve some of her belongings after she was let back into her neighborhood Tuesday. Stone herself was evacuated from her Green Mountain Falls home Sunday. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Mark Reis) NO MAGS, NO SALES
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Mitch Rowley, a firefighter with the the Colorado Springs Fire Department Task Force I unit, keeps an eye on the Waldo Canyon Fire from a northwestern neighborhood in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Simon Wach, right, his sister Susan Fox and her daughter Karalea watch a plume of smoke rise from the Waldo Canyon Fire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
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Smoking sunset
a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Brittany_Burton”img style=”float:left;padding-right:6px !important;” src=”http://images.huffingtonpost.com/google_profile_img/3501043.png” //aa href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Brittany_Burton”Brittany Burton/a:br /The smoke is visible as far as Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It effected the sunset making it seem as though the sky was on fire. The smoke is visible in the air.
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Waldo Canyon fire
a href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/dansirishwife”img style=”float:left;padding-right:6px !important;” src=”http://images.huffingtonpost.com/aol_profile_img/3062050.png” //aa href=”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/dansirishwife”dansirishwife/a:br /View from Peyton, CO
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Thank You CSFD
Thank You CSFD For Saving Our City!
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