On the morning of Dec. 30, 2021, a large wildfire rapidly spread through areas between Denver and Boulder Colorado. The wildfire, described as a “force of nature” by Governor Jared Polis, was one of the most destructive in Colorado’s history, demolishing almost 1,000 houses and businesses over 6,000 acres in Superior, Louisville, and other parts of Boulder County. The addition of 100 mile-an-hour winds allowed for the fire to grow quickly. Thousands of residents fled with no choice but to start the New Year without a home. Afterwards, light snowfall came, helping to dampen the blaze. However, more than 10 inches of snow along with frigid temperatures made things worse for Colorado residents.
Unfortunately, at least two people were reported missing and were feared dead, along with at least seven people that were injured. Sheriff Joe Pelle of Boulder County declined to provide much information about those who have gone missing. Investigators were able to identify the partial human remains of 69-year-old Robert Shape from Boulder.
It’s still uncertain what sparked the fire, but the investigation into its causes continues. Initially, authorities mentioned that the downed power lines were most likely the cause of the fire. On the other hand, witnesses believe that it began on a property near an intersection occupied by members of The Twelve Tribes, a religious cult. Additionally, a video posted on Twitter, before the wildfire took course on that day, displayed a shed on fire.
Even so, Sheriff Pelle warned against quickly jumping to conclusions about the fire’s cause; “We don’t know if that shed, or anything around it, was the actual start of the fire, or whether it was secondary,” Pelle had said. “It’s complicated and it’s all covered with a foot of snow today.”
Later on, President Joe Biden went to Colorado to see the damage caused by the wildfire, and he met with homeless families affected by the damage. Biden had said that wildfires were among the recent natural disasters in the United States that have affected him most personally. “There’s nothing so frightening, in my view, as a fire,” Biden. In order to support state and local recovery efforts in the area, Biden made federal funding accessible – including grants for temporary housing, house repairs, and even inexpensive loans covering uninsured losses.
According to scientists, they were able to see “that wildfires no longer have a season but can happen year-round as temperatures warm and droughts worsen.” In other words, climate change is causing increased wildfire threats. Scientists even describe how climate change has increased other forms of extreme weather.
“The ingredients for a devastating wildfire have been coming together since last spring. A very wet spring 2021 helped grow the grasses. A very dry summer and fall dried the grasses out and prepared the kindling,” tweeted Becky Bolinger, an assistant state climatologist at the climate center at Colorado State University.
Although much of the wildfire’s origins still remain a mystery, the situation deeply impacted many of Colorado’s residents, which prompted many to take action. The government is assisting those struggling, investigators are uncovering more about the unexpected blaze, and even scientists are leading further research about wildfires possibly being linked to climate change.
“I know this is a difficult time in your lives… we will build back stronger because we are Colorado strong.” Polis said.
Article by Qwyen Le of Cabin John Middle School
Photo courtesy of Unsplash