Jefferson County has been hit recently with the “Quarry Fire”, a major wildfire ravaging near Deer Creek Canyon, very close to our Conifer community. Currently spanning 572 acres, the fire has forced over 500 people to evacuate their homes. Now up to 45% containment, firefighters are working hard to prevent the fires spread, and aim to continue protecting the homes at risk.
But they need support. Sophomore Brodie Maschiangelo had the idea to help out the firefighters by organizing a donation drive in front of Conifer High School, collecting invaluable goods to support them while in the field.
“All the firefighters have been working so hard, so we just thought that here at Conifer we could help give back to them,” B. Maschiangelo said.
The drive collected Gatorade, bottled water, granola bars, protein bars, baby wipes, electrolytes, Liquid IV powder, and other products to aid in supporting the firefighters. After the goods had been collected at the drive outside of the high school, B. Maschiangelo and the rest of the volunteers drove them down to the Elk Creek Fire Station #1 off of South Turkey Creek and Deer Creek.
“We’re collecting as much as we can from the community and sharing it with all the first responders,” Vannessa Maschiangelo said.
Roughly 190 firefighters, including multiple ground crews, fire engines, and heavy equipment operators, as well as 3 helicopters and a tanker, have been working to contain and stop the fire since it first sparked the night of July 30th. Though the fire has reached nearly 600 acres, the firefighters have managed to contain 45% of it.
“We’re very optimistic that we are well on our way to getting people back in their homes safely,” Jefferson County Public Sheriff’s Office PIO Karlyn Tilley said in an interview.
Both local and out of state firefighters have been working together to fight the Quarry fire, relieving each other when necessary. The conditions the firefighters are forced to work in are difficult, it’s hot, steep, and grueling, but they continue fighting regardless, with many working extra hours and into the night.
“We’re trying to give them the feeling of knowing that we appreciate so much what they’re doing for us,” V. Maschiangelo said.
““It’s steep, it’s grueling, it’s hot, there are no sources of water up there, so everything they are doing is difficult. Every step they take is hard.” Karlyn Tilley, Jefferson County Public Sheriff’s Office PIO said.
![Van Beek in her stance to scare people at Anderson Farms. Van Beek was preparing for a night of scaring her costume and makeup. The scare actors wear full costumes and makeup to make the experience scarier and more believable. “I love [working at Anderson Farms] and everyone is super nice,” Van Beek said. (Provided by Charlie Van Beek)](https://chstoday.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_25151.jpg)
