NEDERLAND, Colo. -- The Cold Springs Fire in Nederland uprooted people's lives -- a total of five homes were destroyed, but many others were spared because homeowners cleared trees and brush around their homes.
Now that the fire is out, continued efforts to keep other homes in the forest protected is the top priority for one volunteer organization.
'Saws and Slaws' isn't new by any means but its recent presence in Nederland is certainly timely after what just happened in the small mountain town west of Boulder.
The group of about 50 volunteers worked hard on Saturday clearing trees and brush around three mountain homes.
"It's an extraordinary thing," said Dennis Channer, who lives in one of the homes. "You've got 50 of your best friends ... people that become your best friends who show up on a morning they could be lounging somewhere."
Dennis lives with his wife Marie above the Barker Reservoir. Their home sits on the opposite side of the land charred by the Cold Springs Fire. They watched as it burned.
"We loaded up our car when we saw all the smoke," said Marie. "A lot of our neighbors did because that fire can jump and any of us can be in danger."
The Channers hope that if flames ever do reach their home, the work done by 'Saws and Slaws' will prevent complete disaster.
"I'll give it a 10 on a scale of 9," said Dennis. "It's extremely important."
For more information on 'Saws and Slaws', click here:
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