For Barb Reichert, U.S. Figure Skating’s director of communications, the work to return to her home devastated by the Waldo Canyon fire is just beginning.
Barb and her family were on vacation in Michigan when the wildfire exploded into the city of Colorado Springs, Colo., on June 26 and destroyed 346 homes and burned 18,247 acres. Barb’s house didn’t burn down, but it did sustain significant damage. All of the family’s belongings, including clothing and other essential items, were destroyed by the heat and smoke.
In the weeks following this tragedy, Barb has worked closely with the family’s insurance company to assess the damage to their dream home and come up with a settlement.
“When we saw aerial photos that our house was still standing, we thought we might be dealing only with smoke damage,” Barb said. “When we discovered fire entered our home and burned three rooms, that changed everything.”
Contractors have told Barb that the house needs to be gutted to the studs. A structural engineer then will decide the home’s ultimate fate.
While Barb and her insurance company wrangle over the settlement, the family is living in a home, just down the road from their ravaged house.
Barb has taken several photos that show the home’s damage as well as the devastation to her neighborhood.
Prayers