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Colorado fires burn on
Posted: 06.27.2012 at 8:06 PM
Updated: 06.28.2012 at 11:30 AM
Matt Prichard

Matt Prichard joined the Fox 31 News Team in May of 2012 as a general assignment reporter.

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Fires continue throughout Colorado Springs.
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ALBANY, GA --
The Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs has been burning since Saturday and has caused over 32,000 residents to be evacuated from their homes. Among those displaced are my own aunt, uncle, and cousin, whose home is now sitting directly in the path of this growing fire.

"It's pretty freaky, it's been surreal the whole thing. You know you try and prepare, think through what you'd take and what you'd do. When it actually happens, it's quite bizarre, and of course unsettling," said evacuee Melissa Klute.

Beginning their evacuation at 6:00 in the evening, Melissa's husband Dan says the smoke was so thick, it was hard to breathe or see anything.

"The smoke was so thick it was like midnight, josh and I had to put respirators on while we were loading up because the smoke and ash was so bad," said Dan Klute.

With their home still in a high danger area, Melissa and Dan’s son Josh says he's been overjoyed by the support from the community, the state, and the country.

"I don't know how many people have called me or texted me, just asking if we're okay, and if we need a place to stay, or if we need any help. I just feel very cared for by the community," said Josh Klute.

The Waldo Canyon Fire is still only at 5% containment and the Klute's, like so many Colorado Springs residents, continue to wonder if their homes will still be there when the flames are put out.

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