Historic Wildfires that Blazed Colorado in 2020

Three Colorado wildfires in 2020 burned more than 400,000 acres and topped the list for the worst wildfires in Colorado history. The fires prompted evacuations of Estes Park and Grand lake, turned the bright blue sky red, and snowed ash all over the Front Range.

Here is a look back at the historic wildfires of 2020 in Colorado, ones we won't soon forget.

Pine Gulch Fire

The Pine Gulch Fire started by a lightning strike on July 31 approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction. The Pine Gulch Fire reached 100 percent containment on September 15 and burned 139,007 acres.

East Troublesome Fire

The East Troublesome Fire started on October 14 and the cause is still under investigation. The wildfire prompted the mandatory evacuation of the town of Grand Lake and Estes Park. The East Troublesome Fire crossed the Continental Divide, burned parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, and reached the western edge of Estes Park on October 23. 100 percent containment of the East Troublesome Fire was declared on November 30 and burned 193,812 acres.

Cameron Peak Fire

The Cameron Peak Fire, the largest in Colorado's history, started on August 13. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The fire grew over 78,000 acres in a three-day span over Labor Day Weekend. Cameron Peak Fire's flame could be seen from the Front Range for days. 100 percent containment of Colorado's largest wildfire in history came on December 5 and 508,913 acres were burned.

The Mullen Fire

The Mullen Fire started 38 miles west of Laramie, Wyoming on September 17. On September 30, the Mullen Fire crossed state lines and moved into Northern Colorado. The cause of the Mullen Fire is still under investigation. On October 30, the fire was declared 97 percent contained and burned 176,878 acres.

Source: Inciweb