Havre De Grace Woman Raising Money For Colorado Wildfire Victim

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A Havre de Grace woman is raising money for her best friend and husband who lost their home Dec. 30 in the Colorado wildfire. Sharon Kearney started a GoFundMe account Tuesday. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, she's raised $2,270.

"They lost everything and are in immediate need of support to replenish critical personal items. Your generous donation will be spent on clothing, toiletries, and other essentials as they work to rebuild," she posted on the GoFundMe page.

According to Kearney, the couple moved out west last summer to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and growing family. They built a new home near the mountains and were enjoying the outdoors before the wildfire turned their lives upside down.

The Wildfire

The wildfire erupted last Thursday in and around Louisville and Superior, neighboring towns about 20 miles northwest of Denver with a combined population of 34,000.

Tens of thousands were ordered to flee as the flames swept over drought-stricken neighborhoods with alarming speed, propelled by guests up to 105 mph.

The threat ultimately ended Saturday when plunging temperatures and quenching snow smothered the flames.

Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said more than 500 homes were probably destroyed. He and the governor said as many as 1,000 homes might have been lost, though that won’t be known until crews can assess the damage.

How To Donate

Kearney had recruited 19 donors by the time of publication. She hopes to raise approximately $5,000 for her best friend and her husband to help them in their recovery.

To donate to the couple's GoFundMe account, click here.

EDITOR'S NOTE: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner. The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article. To learn more about the wildfire, read the AP's full story.