While parts of Wyoming and Colorado have been going through some of the hardest times lately, the wildfires that are topping local headlines have had another effect.
While July 4 is a date which easily brings people closer, the tight knit community effort to combat fires and support the brave men and women who have been fighting our wildfires for the last weeks has been outstanding.
For those who live close to LaBonte Park, this meant going out and chatting with firefighters who had been sleeping in tents in the park between shifts of fighting the fires. Others still started grassroots organizing support systems, such as the “Squirrel Creek Wish List.”
In the group, residents of both Laramie and other affected communities shared the needs of firefighters in terms of food and beverages, coordinated who was headed to fire stations and where items could be dropped off for transport to these fire stations.
Next to functioning as said support tool for the firefighters, the Facebook group allowed for direct dialog between residents to thank other volunteers or raise concerns about other developments.
“I am from Laramie but live in Aurora Colorado. I want to thank you all for helping the fire fighters and the evacuees,” group member Suzanne Cole-Rice wrote. “My cousins were evacuated. All are home now. All ranches and homes in the family & [sic] extended family are ok. My 2nd cousin is a Laramie fireman but was down fighting the Little Sand Fire in CO. I just found this FB page today & was impressed with how the community came together! This is why I love my hometown & why I love Wyoming! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Perhaps the fires did on the low range of damages cause for some contact lenses to itch and on the extreme end cost residents their homes. In the end, however, it is important to also think and thank those who have been working tirelessly.
Therefore, the entire Branding Iron staff would like to thank and recognize those who have been fighting the fires on the front lines, the residents who were understanding of the fire and fireworks bans in the area and of course all the volunteers and residents who have been working behind the scenes for little more than a few warm words and a handshake.
