Colorado Wildfire History

The major wildfires that shaped Colorado — and why today’s risk looks the way it does. The largest on this list, the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, burned about 209K acres.

Check your CO address’s risk →

Major Colorado wildfires

  1. 2021

    Marshall Fire

    · 6,000 acres

    A wind-driven grass fire on December 30 destroyed over 1,000 homes near Boulder — the most destructive in Colorado history.

  2. 2020

    Cameron Peak Fire

    · 209,000 acres

    The largest wildfire in Colorado history, in the Poudre Canyon watershed.

  3. 2020

    East Troublesome Fire

    · 194,000 acres

    Exploded ~100,000 acres in a day and crossed the Continental Divide toward Estes Park.

  4. 2013

    Black Forest Fire

    · 14,000 acres

    Destroyed ~489 homes near Colorado Springs.

  5. 2012

    Waldo Canyon Fire

    · 18,000 acres

    Destroyed 346 homes in Colorado Springs’ Mountain Shadows.

  6. 2002

    Hayman Fire

    · 138,000 acres

    Then the largest in state history, in the Pike National Forest southwest of the Front Range.

Figures are rounded from official sources (CAL FIRE, NIFC, state forestry agencies) for well-documented incidents. For the full federal record, see InciWeb and NIFC.

Colorado wildfire history — frequently asked

What was the largest wildfire in Colorado history?

The largest wildfire on this Colorado timeline is the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, which burned about 209,000 acres. The largest wildfire in Colorado history, in the Poudre Canyon watershed.

What was the most recent major wildfire in Colorado?

The most recent major fire on this Colorado timeline is the 2021 Marshall Fire. A wind-driven grass fire on December 30 destroyed over 1,000 homes near Boulder — the most destructive in Colorado history.

How many major wildfires has Colorado had?

This Colorado timeline documents 6 major recorded wildfires, from the 2002 to the 2021, drawn from official sources.

Everything for Colorado wildfire safety

Colorado wildfire risk map →Colorado wildfire map (live) →Colorado wildfires today →Colorado evacuation map →Colorado Red Flag Warnings →Colorado fire restrictions & burn bans →Colorado fire insurance →Colorado fire mitigation & contractors →Colorado fire damage restoration →

Active fires in Colorado now →

Live map of what’s burning today, with satellite hotspots and Red Flag alerts.

Colorado wildfire risk map →

Risk by city and county, and how to check your exact address.

History repeats in fire country — know your risk

Get your address’s 0–100 wildfire risk score, the nearest recorded fires, and your insurance options — free.

Check your address →