Coming Together: The Lake Christine Fire

Lake Christine fire

by Jenna Linden and Kaitlin Piosa
Spanning from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley is a community of passionate outdoors people, families, neighbors, friends, and a place where people look out for one another. In the wake the Lake Christine Fire—which started the afternoon of July 3rd and burned more than 12,000 acres—our community rose to the occasion, opening doors, raising money, collecting goods, providing meals, offering kindness, hope, and hugs, and much more for those directly affected by the fire and the brave men and women working tirelessly to defend Basalt, El Jebel, and the surrounding areas.

Even though the Lake Christine fire was 17 miles from Aspen Snowmass, many employees and loyal locals were impacted during the blaze. In the spirit of community, Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) made strides to help in a multitude of ways.

ASC employees donated $13,492, which was matched by Aspen Skiing Company and again by the Crown Family. Of that amount, $6,035 went towards the Wildland Firefighters Foundation and $7,457 to the Aspen Community Foundation. Over all, $40,376 was raised.
Lake Christine fire
Lake Christine fire
In addition, Aspen Skiing Company is providing three months rent to the family that lost their home. We offered housing at The Little Nell and Limelight Hotel Aspen during the time of the fire to any employees who were evacuated and in need of a place to go. The Treehouse in Snowmass offered 50% off to evacuee children and The Hideout at Buttermilk opened its doors to mid-valley day care centers.

Aspen Skiing Company also donated $5,000 to the Roaring Fork Conservancy Revegetation Fund and $3,000 to the Basalt Chamber to sponsor National Night Out and the Basalt Community Picnic.

For Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale firefighters, ASC gave one free night at the Limelight Hotel and a $75 food and beverage credit to be used on night of stay.

We would like to honor all Aspen Skiing Company employees who put their lives on the line to fight the Lake Christine wildfire. A BIG thanks to Terry McShane, Jeff Bright, Chris Cohan, Steve Howard, Paul Massey, Kent Oliver, Catherine Pieck, Kyle Pimentel, Marlen Wolfe, Karl Oliver and Thom Barr. We’re so grateful for your bravery and commitment.
Buttermilk view of Lake Christine Fire
A view of the Lake Christine Fire on July 4, 2018 at 4:30pm, during the height of the fire, as seen from our Roundshot camera atop Buttermilk.

Published August 2018

You Might Also Like