BOULDER, Colo. --
Three Boulder women will give all proceeds from a new book to the rebuilding efforts, still under way, after Labor Day's devastating wildfire.
"They were suffering in their own world. And to take the time and effort to help the fire department was very heart warming," said Bret Gibson, chief of the Four Mile Fire Protection District. "(It)Kind of reconfirms that community is a great thing."
Amid the destruction of the Four Mile canyon wildfire, which claimed the homes of nine firefighters, there were also tales of survival and assistance.
Thelma Robinson decided those stories had to be told as well.
"I think it's more healing," said Ingrid DiPaula, the book's designer.
Over the course of a month, Robinson, DiPaula and Valerie Conway pored over e-mails and hand-written letters from children that brought the fire fight to light.
“Are you and your families alright? Good luck on fighting the fires. Stay safe and stay strong. Don’t give up. I know you can get the fire,” wrote Mia.
"So you realize it's not just about the adults, trying to save your home, trying to save the people around you, it's the kids (and) how they're affected," DiPaula said. "They were very frightened. And just the warmth that you get from knowing they learned they were going to be OK."
Max, Conway's cat, was left home alone for eight days, as her owners joined others in evacuation.
“So he was down in the basement. I mean he had a way to get in and out of the house. And so he rode out the whole fire. That of course made us feel a lot better,” Conway said. “So (the book has) lots of great stories like that.”
With suggested donations at around $15, the women hope the proceeds will help replace the Salina fire station and two engines lost in the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history.
The book "Four Mile On Fire" is available at the following locations starting Saturday:
McGuckin Hardware, 2525 Arapahoe Ave.
The Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St.
PC's Pantry, 2600 30th St.
Spruce Street Confections, 767 Pearl St.
To order the book click on the
.
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