Wildfires in Colorado

Wildfire size (reported as acres burned) is not always indicative of its impact.  The Royal Gorge Fire that began on June 11, 2013 outside of Cañon City, burned a total area of 3,218 acres and destroyed 90 percent of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The Royal Gorge Bridge itself was relatively unaffected, but 48 of 52 buildings—including the visitor center, Aerial Tram, Incline Railway, and other attractions—were destroyed. Examples like this illustrate the long-lasting impacts that wildfires can have on the local economy and the variety of community values at risk.

CoreLogic, a national provider of financial and property information, estimates that Colorado ranks as one of the leading states across the western United States in terms of residential properties potentially at risk of future wildfire damage. A 2015 report shows that Colorado has nearly 100,000 homes that are either at high or very high risk of wildfire – translating into $28 billion of residential assets exposed to potential future wildfire damage.These trends also reflect a larger pattern associated with increased development in wildfire-prone areas in the West. Community wildfire risk will continue unless more action is taken to reduce and/or mitigate the threat.

A 2015 report shows that Colorado has nearly 100,000 homes that are either at high or very high risk of wildfire – translating into $28 billion of residential assets exposed to potential future wildfire damage.