Watch CBS News

Home 'Rises From The Ashes' In High Park Burn Area

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Half a year after the High Park Fire, Larimer County has issued its first certificate of occupancy for a rebuilt home.

That act was the one the Baker family was waiting for, and on Friday they moved into their new home on their property in the burn area west of Fort Collins.

So far only 29 rebuild permits have been issued, that represents only 15 percent of the homes that were lost in what was the second most destructive fire in state history.

For Ira and Donna Baker, they couldn't be happier to back home just in time for the holidays.

The Bakers have owned their land in Rist Canyon for generations. After the fire torched their family house, they knew they had no choice but to rebuild.

"We were just going to stay here. There wasn't an option going anyplace else," said Ira. "This was home. This is where we're going."

As the first residents to officially rebuild, the Bakers hope they are an inspiration to the owners of the 258 other homes that were destroyed.

"People tell me what hope they have when they come up this road and see this new house rise from the ashes. It's empowering," Donna said.

The Bakers say that in all their years on their property, they've never missed a Christmas at home.

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.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.