Fire slows business in Woodland Park

The opening of Highway 24 is a major relief for business owners in Woodland Park.

The Waldo Canyon Fire forced many restaurants and retailers to close and kept tourists out during the busiest time of year.

“It (the fire) dramatically impacted the number of folks walking, enjoying town, eating at our restaurants and shopping at our stores,” said Ben Caperton, owner of The Cellar Door.

Despite the extreme slowdown in tourist traffic, Caperton said firefighters did the right thing in closing Highway 24.

“I understood why they had to close, for firefighters, equipment and everything they had to do to manage that fire. I know it impacted some folks. I also think it saved a lot of lives,” he said.

Caperton said his family did not have to evacuate and kept The Cellar Door open while the highway was shut down.

“We wanted folks to have some place to go to at least put their feet up and enjoy themselves,” said Caperton.

Lucy Tanner, owner of Windows of Heaven, was evacuated and had to close her shop for nine days.

“My last week of June is gone. It’s been really rough,” said Tanner.

Tanner moved her business from Houston, Texas, to Woodland Park two years ago and said it’s been a struggle with the down economy.

“This fire has made it terribly worse,” she said.

Tanner and Caperton are confident businesses will recover from the fire and ask that all surrounding communities pitch in to help.

“Shop! Come in our stores and shop and get us back up on our feet again,” said Caperton.