Colorado faces the largest increase in homes and businesses threatened by wildfire of any state in the nation with nearly 1 million properties — two-fifths of all those in the state — already facing some risk, according to a new analysis. The First Street Foundation wildfire risk modeling ranked Colorado No. 7 in the country […]
wildfire
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Zornio: Outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado should prepare to face more extreme wildfires
The Ice Lakes Basin in the San Juan mountains is easily one of the most iconic alpine regions in Colorado. Located just outside of Silverton, the main trailhead offers a steep approach that leads to some of the most crystal clear blue water you can find. Combined with wildflowers, mountain goats and rugged peaks, it’s […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Give the job of wildfire prevention to nature’s architects
As a wildland firefighter, I have witnessed the impacts of larger and longer fire seasons. I have smelled the charred earth and watched the soil blown away into dust. In 2020, Colorado had its most destructive fires to date, with the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires burning more than 402,725 acres; that’s equivalent to […]
Posted inNews, Wildfire
Boulder County commissioners adopt fire-resistant requirements for homes on eastern grassy plains
Newly constructed homes in the eastern flatlands of unincorporated Boulder County must meet stricter fire-resistant requirements after Boulder County commissioners voted to approve changes to the county’s building code Thursday. Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt amendments that aimed to protect homes from fire in the grassy plains of the county that have not seen many […]
Posted inWildfire
Democrats abandon their pursuit of wildfire building code as Colorado’s 2022 legislative session ends
There are already dozens of pending bills being held up by Republican stall tactics on the last day of session.
Posted inCartoons, Opinion
Drew Litton: Tinder-dry Colorado should welcome visitors with a warning
More cartoons from The Colorado Sun.
Posted inNews, Wildfire
Colorado officials warn 2022 could be the worst wildfire year in state history
Colorado will pour an additional $20 million in federal funding into firefighting and prevention initiatives ahead of what officials say could be the worst wildfire season in the state’s history. Above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation are predicted across the state through June, thrusting many parts of Colorado into more severe drought conditions and placing more […]
Posted inNews, Wildfire
Wind-fueled fire destroyed or damaged 15 buildings in San Luis Valley town
Six families were displaced by a fire that quickly grew out of control and destroyed several homes in a rural community in the San Luis Valley, authorities said Thursday. Fire crews worked in the damage zone in Monte Vista to assess the cause of the fire that ignited midday Wednesday and assess the damage, George […]
Posted inWildfire
Several homes destroyed after fire ignites in San Luis Valley town
A fire that burned Wednesday in a neighborhood in the San Luis Valley town of Monte Vista destroyed several homes and other structures before firefighters were able to halt its advance. The fire broke out on the rural community’s north side about 12:15 p.m. and was already “out of control” and approaching structures as fire […]
Posted inNews
“An incredible frustration”: Boulder County fire officials have long sought better wildfire escape routes
Fire chief Michael Schmitt is bumping down an unpaved road west of Boulder, barely wide enough for his SUV. He’s headed toward the dead end of County Road 83, where — behind a metal gate, behind tree trunks blackened in the Fourmile Canyon fire — a narrow dirt road is cut into the mountainside. If […]