Rebuilding After the Waldo Canyon Fire

It has been over a month since the Waldo Canyon Fire started. Two people died and 350 homes were destroyed, but the rebuilding process has begun.

“It is mixed feelings now. We have gotten over the initial shock of having no neighbors, and it looks like a waste land, but now it feels good to see the progress that they are making and rebuilding,” said Jeff Paperufuss, whose home was damaged in the fire.

The crews and tractors are on the go demolishing what is left of homes ruined by the Waldo Canyon Fire. People that live in this area say they always wish the process were faster, but they understand this will take time.

The city government talked to KRDO NewsChannel13 about some of the delays.

“There are limitations as it relates to insurance companies as it related to individual decisions that those homeowners have to make,” said Kyle Campbell the interim planning director of Colorado Springs.

Campbell also said that the city is committed to streamlining the process for homeowners in whatever way it can, and that the impacted community members are being optimistic.

“For every person who was maybe thinking about leaving the community or not rebuilding, there were probably 3 or 4 that were trying to figure out the process on how to move forward,” said Campbell.

As the rebuilding continues, people that live in the area say the community’s help has been amazing.

“We have seen a community come together, lock arms together, and start to rebuild already, just inside of a month. So, to us it is a real sprit of unity and harmony in the community,” said Debbie Moore who lives near the Mountain Shadows area.

The City of Colorado Springs also said that some 160 permits have been handed out already for demolishing and rebuilding.