Wildfire in Colorado, June 12 to 17, 2000

Two large wildfires developed in the Front Range Foothills of Colorado as careless campers and very dry conditions proved to be a dangerous combination. Strong winds gusting in excess of 60 mph on the 13th, fanned the flames, spreading both wildfires out of control. The Hi Meadows wildfire, about 35 miles southwest of Denver, consumed 10,800 acres and 80 structures, mostly high priced homes. The Bobcat wildfire, located about 12 miles southwest of Fort Collins, consumed 10,600 acres and 22 structures. Mother Nature, initially a nemesis to firefighters, also played the key role in dousing the flames. Late on the 16th, a strong cold front moved into northeastern Colorado. Upslope conditions developed in the wake of the front, allowing 2 to 4 inches of snowfall overnight at elevations above 8,500 feet. Firefighters were able to contain both wildfires shortly thereafter.Initial damage estimates for the two wildfires was $15 million; but this estimate was expected to climb even further. The preliminary damage estimates from these fires eclipsed the $10 million in total property losses sustained in the Black Tiger wildfire that occurred on Sugarloaf Mountain near Boulder in 1989. As a result, the initial damage estimate already makes the Hi Meadows and Bobcat wildfires the costliest to strike the Front Range Foothills.