GRAND LAKE, Colo. — Schelly Olson and her family had a picture perfect cabin in Grand Lake until just a couple of days ago.
“It was like just another gut punch to see it, how something so beautiful and so strong... it just didn't seem like anything could take it down,” Olson said.
Olson and her family had only minutes to evacuate as the East Troublesome Fire advanced on their property.
“I'm just really going to miss the good times we had with friends and the community we had,” Olson said.
HOW TO HELP: To give to the Denver7 Gives Fund and to those affected by the wildfires, click here.
Since 2008, Olson has fought fires in her community as a member of the Grand Fire Protection District No. 1 but this time, there was nothing she could do.
“Losing your home, losing everything, you just don't think it could happen to you and it can,” Olson said.
As Olson’s house was being engulfed in flames, she found refuge in the home of her friend Megan Ledin.
“It’s one of the hardest nights. There’s only so many things you can do at that moment and no words are going to make it better,” Ledin said.
Ledin is the executive director of the Grand Foundation which is now partnering with Denver7 Gives to raise money to help Olson and so many others hit by the East Troublesome Fire.
“We don’t know how many homes have been lost. How many people have been displaced,” Ledin Said.
Denver7 Gives has started a new fundraising campaign for victims of Colorado's wildfires. To donate, go here and then look for "Help Colorado Wildfire Victims" in the dropdown. We are working with our community partners up and down the Front Range to ensure every dollar raised stays in Colorado and helps families who've lost so much.
