A painful homecoming: Faulder residents return to see what the Bald range fire left behind

Nearly three weeks after the Bald Range wildfire forced residents of Faulder to evacuate, they were finally permitted to return to their properties and assess the damage. For many, the visit was less about reclaiming their homes and more about witnessing the aftermath of the disaster. Ashley Jestin, who had lived in the same home for over a decade with her husband, described the stark emptiness that greeted her.

"Oh wow, they are gone. Nothing is there, just the tin roofs," she remarked, pointing out the locations of her front door and workshop, now reduced to mere remnants. The once-perfect house, featuring a spacious yard and a mobility bathroom, was completely destroyed, along with three older Ford trucks and her spouse's motorcycle.

Jestin expressed the emotional toll of the loss, stating, "It’s not dead. It’s making a noise. I think that's good!" For those who lost their homes, the return to their properties signifies the start of a challenging rebuilding process. Jestin estimated that it could take up to two years to restore their lives, during which families may need to rely on rental housing.

The financial strain is immediate, with some residents turning to GoFundMe campaigns to cover costs that insurance may not fully compensate. Jestin highlighted the additional burden of her own limited mobility, making it difficult to find suitable rental accommodations. Beyond the immediate challenges, returning home also underscores the uncertainty that lies ahead.

"Over the next two years there is no plan. I don’t even know what I am going to do next week," Jestin acknowledged. While the visit provided a sense of closure, it also laid bare the daunting road that lies before Faulder residents as they strive to rebuild their lives.