Witnessing the start of the Waldo Canyon Fire - June 23, 2012

Carmichael Training Systems Coaches and Athletes were riding mountain bikes up Rampart Range Road outside of Colorado Springs on Saturday, June 23 as part of a routine ride. On the way up in the morning, there was no smoke or fire as they passed The Overlook. On the way back down, they spotted smoke below them to the south. Fire fighters were already on Rampart Range Road when the still images of the fire were taken. Firefighters advised the group to get down off Rampart Range Road as fast as possible, which they did. Just look at the growth of the smoke plume in the time it took to drive a few miles down Rampart Range Road! The fire had topped the ridge before they even made it to the water tank/cell towers just above the Cedar Heights neighborhood!

CORRECTION: The time stamps on the images/videos used was incorrect. Coaches were at The Lookout at 11AM on Saturday with no fire/smoke present, then on their way down at 1:15-1:30PM when they stopped and took photos of the beginning of the smoke plume.

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  News & Politics

[CarmichaelTV]

Just to clarify, CTS has been cooperating with authorities since Saturday afternoon when the fire started.

[MovieStar42]

I have a huge hill next to my house, and the fire was right there... on the other side of it.... the sky at night was red and I could smell the smoke easily :(

[ocdskaters]

There are rumors of arson most say its was dry wether personal i think it was arson

[Amy Galbraith]

What kind of camera did you use?

[wellingtonbrooke1]

346 homes at last count, and 2 fatalities, not including that supply plane that crashed on its way to help us.

[wellingtonbrooke1]

Seems like it took you forever to get off that mountain. Glad you are safe. This just gives me the chills. I too live in COS, and it has been difficult to deal with. MANY emotions. It makes me so very sad. All we can do is to try to help our neighbors and go thru this journey of "recovery" together. I donated 100 lbs of cat food to the shelter. I didnt know how else to help. Peace.

[lanthai331]

They must have been filming near the gun range

[PhoenixBlue0]

Because there was no lightning for MILES around the area. It was either arson or criminal negligence.

[MrPanetela]

Is it just me? Why is it when I look at this I get the impression of arsen.