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Wildfires
Wildfire burning through a stand of trees

Boulder County Wildfires

Boulder County has witnessed several major destructive wildfires in recent times. Notable are the 1989 The Black Tiger Fire, the 1990 and 2009 Olde Stage Fires, the 2003 Overland Fire, the 2010 Fourmile Canyon Fire, the 2016 Cold Springs Fire, the 2020 Cal-Wood & Lefthand Canyon Fires, and the 2021 Marshall Fire.

History

These fires have collectively destroyed hundreds of homes (and other structures), burned thousands of acres, and threatened the lives and properties of thousands of 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 have resulted in forests with vegetation densities 10 to 100 times their natural state. Combine this with factors such as steep terrain, drought, high summertime temperatures, 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.

These very dangerous conditions have led 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.

Boulder County Wildfire History Story Map

This interactive wildlife story map outlines some of the most recent fires in Boulder County and highlights the effect they had on the people and the land. The map includes links to videos, websites, PDFs, and other interactive maps.

Contact Us

Wildfire Mitigation

Email: wildfiremitigation@bouldercounty.gov
Main: 303-441-1420

Courthouse Annex Building

2045 13th St.
Boulder, CO 80302

Hours

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday
Map and Directions

Mailing Address

Community Planning & Permitting
Wildfire Mitigation
PO Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306
Community Planning & Permitting website