How you can help High Park Fire victims

The High Park Fire burning west of Fort Collins showed signs of eventual containment Monday, with fire crews managing to contain 50 percent of the 58,000-plus acre wildfire.

But it is still the most destructive fire in Colorado history, with 189 homes burned and several more threatened. Many of those who’ve been evacuated from the fire zone have no idea whether their homes will be standing when they’re eventually allowed to return. Numerous fundraising efforts are underway to assist those who will be rebuilding from scratch.

One that has support from some Boulder County residents is NoCo Rebuilding, which will disperse 100 percent of all the funds raised to those who’ve lost their houses and wish to rebuild using sustainable building practices and supplies.

“As a resident of Gold Hill and having experienced the Four Mile Canyon Fire firsthand, I am motivated to help an organization called NoCo Rebuilding,” Gold Hill resident Joanne Cole wrote in an email to a list of undisclosed recipients. “This organization is mobilizing quickly to help residents of Larimer County with the task of rebuilding after this monumental disaster.”

“During the Four Mile Fire, a group of us realized the need to keep generous financial contributions local,” Cole wrote. “We quickly formed the Boulder Mountain Fire Relief Fund on day 6-7 of the 2010 fire. We were able to raise $800,000, ALL of which stayed in Boulder County and was distributed amongst individuals in need and the four Volunteer Fire Departments that were impacted by the fire. As you know, the High Park Fire eclipses the Four Mile Fire on every level. Our friends & neighbors in Larimer County are going to need help.”

The Four Mile Fire in 2010 burned 169 homes and resulted in $217 million in insurance claims. There is no tally yet on what the High Park Fire will cost, but agencies have spent $12 million fighting it so far.

To learn more about NoCo Rebuilding and to contribute, click here.