Boulder County Wildfire History
Boulder County has witnessed several major destructive
wildfires in recent times. Notable are the 1988 Left Hand
Fire, the 1989 Black Tiger Fire, the 1990 Olde
Stage Fire, the 2000 Eldorado Fire and the 2003
Overland Fire. These fires have collectively destroyed 78
homes, burned over 10,000 acres, and threatened the lives and
properties of thousands of mountain residents. Yet many people
still don’t recognize the risk posed to their homes and
properties by a wildfire and what they can do to mitigate that
threat.
Wildfires have always been a natural occurrence in Boulder
County, but various land management practices, including fire
suppression, over the last 100 years has resulted in a forest
with vegetation densities 10 to 100 times their natural state.
Combine this with factors such as steep terrain, drought, high
summertime temperatures, and seasonal high winds, and an
increased human presence in the form of development and
recreational use, and the result is an environment prone to
extreme wildfire behavior. |
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These very dangerous conditions have lead to fires which
are more numerous and devastating than ever before,
challenging the abilities and resources of agencies that
fight fire. Additionally, the response to a fire by
emergency response organizations faced with these
conditions is also limited by factors such as the amount
of equipment and personnel available, number and
location of water sources, difficulty or ease of access,
and number and types of structures present.
By doing wildfire mitigation work, creating
defensible space, and performing routine maintenance
around their homes, homeowners are giving firefighters
and themselves the best chance to defend their property
from wildfires. |
