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Residents Start Rebuilding After Fort Collins Fire

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - Residents are starting the process of rebuilding after June's wildfire west of Fort Collins that scorched 136 square miles and destroyed 259 homes.

The Coloradoan reports that eight building permits have been issued by Larimer County for the fire area. Three permits are to replace homes in Rist Canyon, one of the hardest hit areas. The rest are for outbuildings and building repairs.

Terry Schmitz says rebuilding never was in doubt, though it's not easy. As for the charred landscape, Schmitz says he grew up in the area and has seen the land come back before.

Schmitz says his new house will include a new bay window in the kitchen that his wife always wanted.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

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