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Hayman Fire Picture Gallery

On the morning of Wednesday, June 12, IMHS Executive Director, Dr. Dennison and Mary Dennison accompanied Jefferson County Animal Control Officer Jim Riddle to Lost Valley Ranch to do a safety check on the 150 horses stranded at that guest ranch.  Fortunately, the horses, staff and North Fork Fire Department Crew that had stayed at Lost Valley Ranch all were completely unharmed, but somewhat shaken.  The fire passed on all sides of the valley, with spot fires having to be controlled throughout the compound.  Most of their hay had burned and many of their cattle that were grazing in the National Forrest were killed, but the staff and horses were safe.  Concerns about smoke inhalation were significant, but none of the horses showed any signs of respiratory problems.

Dr. Dennison was able to photograph some of the bleak, fire-consumed landscape as they passed through about 12 miles of burned forest to reach the ranch.   Many hot spots still existed and several areas showed flames in the burned out remnants of stumps and trees.  Dust devils over 100 feet high appeared on several occasions, probably due to the heat and fire induced weather currents.  In all, this was a stark and sobering trip.  The worst part of the trip was stopping at a ranch to double check for any stray animals that might have been missed during the evacuation.  Dr. Dennison was present three days before when the horses and people were evacuated, and all buildings except for the main house had burned.  Generations of treasures that were irreplaceable had been lost to the fire.  A somber and heart-wrenching scene.  There but for the grace of God go I.  Our hearts go out to all those who have lost or will lose their homes to fires this year.