Shelters Open for Military Families and Pets Affected by Colorado Fire

Shelters Open for Military Families Affected by Colorado Fire
American Forces Press Service
By Terri Moon Cronk
June 14, 2013

Two installations have set up overnight shelters for military families affected by the Black Forest fire in Colorado Springs, Colo., while another has opened an emergency center for family assistance.

The Army’s Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base in the southern Colorado Springs area opened their shelters earlier this week to accommodate military families, Defense Department civilians and other authorized common access card users, officials said.

Fort Carson is accepting families that have evacuated their homes because of the Black Forest and Royal Gorge fires burning at opposite ends of the metropolitan area, Fort Carson spokesman Army Staff Sgt. William Waller said.

Up to 100 people can be accommodated overnight at Fort Carson’s youth services center in Building 5950, and the center is open every day, around the clock. For more information, families can call 719-526-2794.

Shuttles will transport people from the shelters to food courts and a place to shower on post, Waller added.

Carson’s shelter permits family pets, but owners must supply kennels, food and dishes for them.

Military families with horses and other livestock can take their animals to one of several fairgrounds and stables. Officials said families who need a place for livestock can contact these local resources:

-- Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa, 303-621-3152;
-- El Paso County Fairgrounds, 366 10th St., Calhan, 719-520-7880; and
-- Adams County Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, 303-637-8000.
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