2 years after fire, Black Forest faces new challenges

Two years after the most destructive fire in Colorado history, homeowners in Black Forest face new challenges.

Bill Mantia remembers exactly where he was the day of the fire.

“I was in the back of the house,” he said. “I could smell smoke, and I could see the smoke and the flames rolling up the hill here.”

Mantia lost his home in the fire. He has since rebuilt. Now he’s volunteering with Black Forest Together. The non-profit has been helping homeowners with the cleanup. The big problem right now is acres and acres of black trees.

“It’s a depressing thing, and it’s a safety thing,” the group’s co-founder, Ed Bracken said. “These trees are not going to stand forever, we’ve got to get rid of them.”

The group is also working on replanting trees and mitigation. But they need help. To find ways to help, visit Black Forest Together.