Who Remembers the Colby Trail Fire?

9/29/2024 (Permalink)

Who Remembers the Colby Fire?

Roughly seven years ago, the city of Glendora experienced a very intense wildfire, in the foothills directly behind the city. The Glendora community was in a panic at the quickly growing flames.

It was started by a group of young men, who had illegally lit a campfire, while hiking in the mountains. The Santa Ana winds had picked up embers from the campfire and chaos ensued. It is now known as the Colby Trail Fire, named after a hiking trail. In total, it burned over 1,992 acres of land, destroyed 5 homes, and injured one person. 3,600 city residents were evacuated. Poor air quality was an immediate concern for residents.

Many Glendora and Azusa city residents were very concerned about their homes. Removing dry debris around them and watering their lawns was a tactic that many residents used in the hope to protect their property. 

Residents shut their windows and doors to keep falling ash and poor air from coming into their homes. Others take pieces of plywood or tarp and cover the vents on the roof or chimney, in order to prevent embers from entering their housing structures. 

Homeowners with pools would fill up their pools and spas with additional water from their garden hoses. It is not unusual for water-bombing helicopters to pick up water from residents' backyard pools in order to aid in putting out wildfires. It is a small gesture that can be of huge help to the air bombers looking for bodies of water nearby. 

The Colby Fire lasted approximately ten days.

Glendora and San Dimas residents are always encouraged to call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas if their home is ever affected by a fire. SERVPRO® specializes in fire restoration and is available 24/7. Owner Joe McCann has a plethora of fire restoration knowledge. 

We are located at 433 Fleetwood Place, Glendora, CA 91741. Stop by and say hi sometime!