More than 15,000 acres have been razed in the Black Forest Fire since it began around noon Tuesday, June 11. (HCJB Global photo by Harold Goerzen.)

(June 18, 2013 - by Harold Goerzen) It was a feeling of déjà vu for the staff at HCJB Global's Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., Tuesday, June 11, as a wildfire flared out of control northeast of the city, almost exactly a year after a similar fire ravaged western parts of the city.

Several staff members were on pre-evacuation status or have been evacuated from their homes, including receptionist Daunice Winters and her husband, Bob, who learned last Wednesday that their home was destroyed in the blaze. The Black Forest Fire flared up around noon Tuesday and quickly spread eastward amid hot, windy, dry conditions.

"Daunice just called and told me that they lost everything in the fire on Tuesday," said Communications Director Steve Johnson in an email message last Wednesday afternoon. "They were able to get a few possessions out, but the house was destroyed. They are now staying with family. She said they were going to Walmart to get some clothes."

A firefighter battles a blaze in a garage in Black Forest on Table Rock Road. A total of 379 homes were confirmed destroyed as of Thursday, June 13. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette.)

Beth Tanksley, who works as director of donor management and lives in the town of Falcon southeast of the fire, said she is in no immediate danger, but keeping on high alert. "We know of at least a couple of families from our church that have lost homes, unfortunately," she lamented. "We went up to our church last Tuesday to help but ended up having to leave there as well [due to the expanding fire]. We're just watching the wind."

"We are praying for the best outcome for our staff and families of our staff whose homes have been affected by the Black Forest Fire and greatly appreciate the efforts of those working towards containment," added Lauri Dennis, director of human resources. "We will continue praying for everyone affected by this fire and the others burning in Colorado. Thank you for your prayers and support."

Black Forest is an expansive, heavily wooded area in El Paso County northeast of Colorado Springs. It is home to more than 13,000 people, most living on scenic, rural acreages. Shifting winds are now threatening homes in neighboring counties and the city itself.

Aerial view of the fire that is completely uncontained. (Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette.)

El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, speaking at a news briefing Tuesdasy afternoon, confirmed that 502 homes have been destroyed and that the fire is now "85-percent contained." Some 38,000 people living in some 13,000 residences, including those in neighboring counties and Colorado Springs, had been evacuated from the area. Most of the evacuation notices have been downgraded or canceled. More than 14,000 acres were razed in what has been called the most destructive fire in Colorado history.

Regarding reports of injuries or deaths, Maketa announced that two residents had died in the blaze as they prepared to evacuate. There were no other reports of injuries.

The conflagration is reminiscent of last year's Waldo Canyon fire northwest of the HCJB Global's headquarters, forcing at least three staff members to evacuate their homes for up to two weeks. None of their homes were destroyed, only suffering minor smoke damage.

The Waldo Canyon Fire began on June 23, 2012, but it didn't affect populated areas until three days later when 65-mph winds spread the flames down the lower flanks of Pikes Peak and into the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. It burned more than 18,000 acres, destroyed 347 homes and resulted in two fatalities. Investigators determined that the fire was human caused, but it's unclear whether it was an accident or arson. No suspects have been arrested.

"We were so thankful a year ago, when we saw the fire come down the mountainside, that the Lord protected our mission facilities and the homes of our staff," added HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson. "This latest fire is a constant reminder that we have to depend on the Lord's protection daily."

Sources: HCJB Global, The Colorado Springs Gazette

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