Alaskans in the Middle of the Colorado Fires

Jenna Stone is packed and prepared for a possible evacuation

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: Jun 27, 2012 at 9:31 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2012 at 4:28 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Former Anchorage resident Jenna Stone now lives in Colorado Springs with her son and fiance.

She said they have all packed their bags and are ready to evacuate if they get the call.

"Right now all you can see is smoke, you can't even see down the street from us right now. The smoke is just so thick with ash and everything falling down we have a storm coming in so there are also storm clouds coming in from the east and the north,” said Stone.

Olympic games competitor Corey Cogdell is also based in Colorado Springs.

The 25-year-old trap shooter from Eagle River said she chose to change her training schedule because of the fire.

"The air quality was definitely getting pretty bad, the smoke it was harder to see the targets, definitely harder to breathe and it’s starting to cause some allergies with your eyes burning,” said Cogdell.

Cogdell traveled to Texas on Tuesday to continue her preparations for the London games.

“I know a lot of athletes that have chosen to either do their training indoors or have traveled somewhere else to try and get away from the smoke.”

Alaska has sent a small number of support staff to Colorado to help with logistics.

“They are tapped on resources; they don't have any resources available, all of their resources are committed so they're looking for help from other areas around the nation,” said Ray Crowe, manager of Alaska Interagency Coordination Center.

Crowe said front line firefighters can't be spared.

“We are still within our fire season here so we are trying to manage the resources that we have and being prepared for the Alaska season.”
 

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Esther said on Thursday, Jun 28 at 4:55 PM

I have a sister living in Colorado Springs, CO too. She works as a security guard. We're hoping for the best in their situation!

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