100 replies to this topic

[DeeCeeM]

The mall was destroyed, but there appears to be some good news, per Channel 7.

Other nearby buildings were also threatened by the fire but appeared to have been saved, the fire department said. . . . "The Park Theatre Mall and buildings on either side have been damaged," said John Cordsen, managing editor of the Estes Park Trail Gazette. He said a light drizzle was falling in the town and the fire appeared under control at 9:30 a.m."The two towers that everybody sees in town didn't get touched by flames," said Cordsen."

[Lsmith]

I just drove my neighbor down so he could check on his store. He is close to Erik's gallery. What a horrible situation. It does look like they are keeping it contained. There may be no structural losses, but the inventory and interiors of the surrounding stores could be a total loss because of the smoke damage. Very sad for the downtown businesses going into the winter season. It is hard to get through the winters here anyway.
Lori

[SandyP]

It does put a lump in your throat, doesn't it. I forgot about De Leo's. Darn! Thanks for the good news, Dixie. I only feel slightly comforted.

I was having a hard enough time focusing on work today with my trip to NY this week -- but now -- forget it. I might as well go home.

[hahn23]

Not as quick as the other locals, but here are seven images from my perspective. The plume of smoke darkened the sky. At the peak of the flames, I could feel the intense heat from hundreds of yards away.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/6.3, 1/30s, ISO 200, lens focal length 73mm.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/6.3, 1/40s, ISO 200, lens focal length 105mm.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/9, 1/13s, ISO 200, lens focal length 84mm.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/9, 1/30s, ISO 400, lens focal length 70mm.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/9, 1/30s, ISO 400, lens focal length 50mm.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/9, 1/40s, ISO 400, lens focal length 105mm.


Canon 5D: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: f/9, 1/25s, ISO 400, lens focal length 65mm.

Edited by hahn23, 19 October 2009 - 10:13 AM.

[Melanie]

Wow, thats awful. Thanks Erik and Richard for keeping us up to date.


Melanie<><

[Rhonda]

What a sad, sad day for Estes Park.

[SandyP]

Wow, Richard! That is really an up close and personal perspective. It brings tears to my eyes.

[DeeCeeM]

Thanks for posting those, Richard. Looking at them, I am absolutely amazed that the whole block plus the theatre didn't go.

[mistylady]

My daughter called a few minutes ago and told us she heard that there was a fire in Estes Park. I immediately went to the forums knowing that I would find the most up-to-date info right here. Thanks to all who are keeping us informed. You are awesome! We are so sad that this is happening. Hope all will be safe with no injuries. Again, thanks for the pictures and info.

[Malok]

Here's the latest info:

The winds have picked up here in Estes and the firefighters are working hard to keep the fire contained. The Hiking Hut and the Wynbryer Gallery which were basically part of the Park Mall are gone. They are trying to keep the flames from taking out Carmel Crisp and Moosly T stores which are on either side. The town is filled with smoke and there will probably be a lot of smoke damage for stores on East Elkhorn. It sounds like the fire began in a storage room above the Christmas shop in the mall and was discovered this morning early by a maintenance man. He evacuated the apartments above so as far as we know, no one has been physically injured by the fire. The fire crews are doing a great job but this wind is making it challenging.

 20091019_estes-fire_14-2.jpg   121.94K   18 downloads

Edited by Malok, 19 October 2009 - 10:34 AM.

[Joyce]

Our thoughts and prayers go out for the safety of all personell that are working this tragedy in Estes Park. We were there a couple weeks ago and of course visited the mall and always purchase items from several stores. We appreciate all the info and photos the locals are giving us as most of us love Estes as much as the locals. It breaks my heart to here of the tragedy. Thank You all sharing.

[Lsmith]

These are by far the best images and news being broadcast about this event. Good job Richard and Erk.
Lori

[Malok]

I just came back from the fire area and it is still burning on the east side. Fortunately the winds have died down. They seem to be trying to save "Moosley T" on the east side the fire seems to be mostly out in the rest of the building. I heard that they are going to bring in some equipment to tear down the front facade of the gallery to get to an area between the buildings. Still lots of smoke in the air and lots to water still being sprayed but it seems like the worst is over.

Edited by Malok, 19 October 2009 - 11:56 AM.

[Aaron]

The Huffington Post's article on this reads, "Estes Park Fire Destroys Much Of The City's Main Tourism Thoroughfare"

Seems highly irresponsible of them to make that ignorant, exaggerated claim with so much on the line for Estes Park with current economic conditions. Estes Park better step up to the bat in the social media realm and combat exaggerations. This could affect tourists still in planning mode.

--Aaron

[Malok]

You ought to point them to this thread. The fire has only damaged the Park Mall and the two stores on either side which were basically part of the same building.