STORM MOUNTAIN, Colorado – As containment of the Alexander Mountain Fire slowly approaches 100 percent, families who lost everything in the fire are considering what comes next.
Storm Mountain is a close-knit community in the mountains of northern Colorado. It is the place Jon and Haley Shepard call home.
Their house near Palisade Mountain Drive is now directly in the burn scar of the Alexander Mountain Fire.
The young couple bought the house in 2016. The two said the purchase was an achievement – something they accomplished all on their own. They put their heart and soul into making the house a home.
“It feels like a little part of us has been lost,” Haley said.
Her house is one of more than two dozen that burned down in the wildfire.
Haley Shepard
The Shepards took Denver7 out to see what was left of the house on Wednesday. It was only the second time the family had been to their address.
“Our essence is gone from here and I want it back,” Haley said, surveying the destruction. “I want to bring life back to a home with my family and we hope to do that.”
The Shepards and their young son have been moving between rental properties since the evacuations began. Denver7 introduced viewers to the family less than 24 hours after they learned from community members that their home was a total loss.
“It’s a real nightmare. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” Haley said of her experiences since the fire.
Jordan Ward
Following Shepard’s story, Denver7 Gives launched a fundraiser to support victims of the 2024 Colorado wildfires. Our Denver7 viewers opened their hearts and donated generously to the cause.
As part of our commitment to support wildfire victims, Denver7 Gives is using money from the wildfire fund to pay the security deposit on the Shepards’ rental home.
Although the rental house is only temporary, the Shepards hope to return to Storm Mountain permanently.
“It would be very sad if we couldn’t rebuild here. So the plan is to rebuild here, right? The thought of that makes me happy,” Haley said with a smile.
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Denver7 Gives supports the immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding of those affected by these wildfires. Every dollar goes to help victims of the fires. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit Denver7 Gives and select “Help Victims of Colorado Wildfires” from the dropdown list.
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