The story (Herald, July 11) regarding the growing Cold Springs Fire is yet another reminder of the very real consequences of climate change. Although forest fires are common this time of year, according to the U.S. Forest Service, increased temperatures and droughts caused by climate change increase the likelihood and intensity of forest fires. Hundreds of homes have already been evacuated, and as a Boulder citizen, I am afraid that we will be next.

While there are already many brave men and women fighting this fire, it is time for the rest of us to do our part to decrease our carbon footprint, which directly contributes to increased extreme weather events such as forest fires. While this means doing what we can to stop polluting in our personal lives, it also means supporting legislation that fights climate change on a larger scale.

The issue of climate change is no longer a partisan political debate; it is about protecting people, which is something I believe both Republicans and Democrats can agree with. I believe Colorado legislators should support legislation that aims to fight climate change, such as the Clean Power Plan, in order to decrease our state’s risk of experiencing extreme weather events and protect Colorado Citizens.

William Downie

Boulder