The extent of the damage from the Cameron Peak fire is now becoming clear as photos emerge from Shambhala Mountain Center. Michael Gayner, the Executive Director of Shambhala Mountain Center, has shared photos of the damage (above), which show that although the Great Stupa survived the blaze, many other structures have not.
Damaged or destroyed structures seem to include living spaces (smaller cabins and trailers), meditation spaces, and the Stupa support building. The number of buildings destroyed appears to be in the region of 15. There is also smoke damage to other buildings which will need to be partially rebuilt or razed.
The fire has, of course, also burned a lot of trees around and inside the land, and, as Gayner writes, “to know how many will survive will take time and forestry professionals to assess.”
Aside from the physical damage there is the toll the fire has taken on those who live at SMC, who have lost their homes. Joshua Mulder, the director of art for the Stupa, has lost his studio which housed decades of work.
Michael Gayner has also said for those wishing to ask questions about the fire, there will be an online Town Hall on Saturday, October 3rd at 11 am. Details for the event can be found here.
The Cameron Peak Fire is one of the largest fires in Colorado history, and is now 30% under control.
Visit Michael Gayner’s blog for updates.
