Bonnie Daniels has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross of Western Colorado since the summer of 2019. She is a diversified volunteer, holding positions as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member, a Mass Care Sheltering service associate and a Volunteer Service Recruitment member.
In August of 2020, when the Grizzly Creek fire erupted in Eagle County, Colorado, Bonnie was one of the incredible volunteers who helped provide shelter, care and comfort to those affected by the fire. In total, the wildfire consumed 32,631 acres in the Glenwood Canyon and left the mountains marked with burn scars.
In July of 2021, it was these burn scars that would prompt Bonnie back to action. In the Grizzly Creek fire burn areas, heavy rain caused flash floods and mudslides in the Glenwood Canyon, closing Interstate 70 and stranding travelers.
Bonnie shares the experience in her own words:
“Having volunteered for the Grizzly Creek Fire in August of 2020, little did I know that I would return, almost exactly a year later, to assist evacuees from the devastation caused by monsoon rainfall in the same area. Last year’s fire destroyed the vegetation that held the hillsides together, allowing this year’s rain to prompt devastating mudslides.
Although the Colorado Department of Transportation closed the Glenwood Canyon multiple times, a storm showed up unannounced. As a result, multitudes of vehicles were caught in several mudslides. Luckily no injuries occurred. However, some cars were totaled.
My DAT team was alerted at 11:00 p.m. to open a shelter at the Glenwood Springs Community Center to help the stranded travelers and evacuees. We had no idea how many people to expect and what their needs might be.
I arrived at 8:30 a.m. the following day and the individuals affected by the mudslide began arriving an hour later. They had to be brought in by bus, leaving their vehicles on the closed muddy interstate. They were tired, cold, hungry and shell-shocked. Most arrived without shoes because the mud had destroyed them. The evacuees were able to shower at the community center. With an acknowledgment of their situation and a ready smile, my fellow volunteers and I made sure everyone received hot coffee and snacks.
It would be days before many of the vehicles could be cleared and towed to Glenwood. Luckily many evacuees had family or friends who could drive from Grand Junction or Gypsum via Cottonwood Pass to retrieve them.
One particular gentleman taking refuge with us had a well-behaved dog, who received lots of loving and snacks. In turn, the dog helped comfort and calm all who were staying at the shelter. The dog’s owner showed me a photo of his car, shoved against a guard rail with mud reaching the windows, all of which were broken. I was relieved that this young man did not have to experience what could have occurred on the other side of the guard rail had it not stopped his car. By the end of the day, all stranded travelers and evacuees had a safe place to go. We were able to close the shelter and head home ourselves.
Volunteers like Bonnie make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce, responding to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Large disasters like the Grizzly Creek fire and mudslide, hurricanes, floods and wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. It’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide comfort and support to anyone who needs aid after a disaster. Join us to make a difference in our community and help someone in need after a disaster. Learn more here.
Bonnie’s energy and enthusiasm knows no bounds. I know she brings cheer and comfort to those facing crises. Sarah Oliver