Faulder residents return to wildfire devastation

Residents of Faulder have begun returning to their properties, nearly three weeks after being evacuated due to the Bald Range wildfire. The return marks a difficult moment for many, as they confront the stark reality of what remains after the blaze swept through their community.

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Oh wow, they are gone. Nothing is there, just the tin roofs.

Ashley Jestin, a resident who lived in Faulder for over a decade, described the scene as heartbreaking. "Oh wow, they are gone. Nothing is there, just the tin roofs," she said, pointing to the remnants of her home. The fire destroyed her house, three trucks, and her husband's motorcycle. Only a small tractor, though not functioning, offered a glimmer of hope.

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This was our front door. It was right here. Over there was our workshops.

More than 100 structures in Faulder and Meadow Valley were damaged or destroyed. For those who lost their homes, the return signifies the beginning of a long and challenging rebuilding process. Jestin estimates it could take up to two years to rebuild, adding to the immediate stress of finding suitable rental housing, especially with her mobility issues.

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Our house was perfect. It had a big yard, It had a mobility bathroom, and to find that somewhere else is impossible.

The financial strain is immediate and significant. Residents like Jestin face the burden of paying mortgages on homes that no longer exist, while also dealing with the loss of home-based income. Some have launched GoFundMe campaigns to help cover expenses not fully addressed by insurance. The path forward remains uncertain, with many unsure of their next steps beyond the immediate need to rebuild their lives.

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It’s not dead. It’s making a noise. I think that’s good!