To the Campus Community:
While Colorado Springs seems to have breathed a collective sigh of relief this morning, I remain concerned about members of our UCCS community as well as members of the broader Colorado Springs community.
The Waldo Canyon Fire claimed the homes of three employees. Dozens more are in the burn area and may not be able to return to their homes for weeks. Many of our students also have been affected by this disaster and may be displaced.
We must continue to show patience and care for our campus community members as well as diligence in protecting it. In this afternoon’s update, I want to share the latest information about the fire and suggestions for individual actions.
Firefighters continue to make good progress. At this morning’s media briefing, fire officials estimated the Waldo Canyon Fire is now 55 percent contained. Weather conditions (higher humidity levels, lower winds) led to optimism, though it is likely that firefighters will remain at work until mid-July.
Respite housing for firefighters and first responders remains a UCCS focus. Beginning Thursday night, UCCS began hosting off-duty wildland firefighters. On Friday, they were joined by National Guard troops sent to relieve and supplement Colorado Springs Police. About 70 National Guard members are staying in Summit Village following their shifts. They join about 25 civilian evacuees, twelve with UCCS ties, in university housing.
Volunteers make UCCS shine. Many campus community members volunteered over the weekend to help make campus housing comfortable for off-duty firefighters. I thank those who contributed their time to help clean rooms, distribute towels or undertake countless other small tasks that contributed to making campus a welcoming place. I thank each of you and offer a collective thanks to the campus for its response over the past several days.
Parking Lot 8 remains closed. Lot 8 near the Recreation Center remains a media briefing center and closed to parking. Media briefings are now scheduled for 8 a.m. daily. There are fewer reporters in place than last week and I expect numbers to decline as firefighters make progress.
As our community begins to recover from this disaster, I offer the following suggestions of what we, as individuals, we can do to help community members and protect campus.
- Avoid smoking and be observant of those who are smoking. If you must smoke, you must do so in compliance with university policy in close proximity to ashtrays and in designated smoking areas. If you see someone in violation of the policy, I encourage you to remind them of the high fire danger on campus or to call University Police. In a related matter, if you see someone smoking or setting off fireworks from the undeveloped areas of campus, please call Police immediately at 255-3111.
- Lend a helping hand. Three employees lost their homes to the fire. If you want to help them, please see Update #6 which identified those who are coordinating the effort. I also encourage patience with those students or coworkers whose homes may have survived but who are directly affected by the events of the last few days. Please see my previous updates for contact numbers.
Last week, I shared my opinion that a community’s time to shine is in its darkest hour. UCCS faculty, staff and students have represented the University of Colorado well during this disaster. I am extraordinarily proud to represent a campus that has shown the world what I already knew. You are truly outstanding.
I wish you a safe and joyous Fourth of July holiday. We will provide another update on Friday or sooner if necessary. You may see previous updates and official communication at http://www.uccs.edu/waldocanyonfire
Respectfully,
Pam Shockley-Zalabak, chancellor
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