The “Black Forest Fire” started on June 11, 2013, and grew to become what was being described as the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history in terms of number of homes lost. The wind-driven fire killed two people, burned 14,280 acres and destroyed 486 homes. Several thousand residents were evacuated. Hundreds of firefighters operated at the fire before it was 100% contained on June 20.
At deadline, it was reported that the fire caused $292.8 million in damage, but that figure was expected to rise as damage to outbuildings and commercial structures is assessed. The cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Harvey Eisner | Editor Emeritus
HARVEY EISNER was named Editor Emeritus of Firehouse® after serving 15 years as Firehouse's Editor-in-Chief. He joined the Tenafly, NJ, Fire Department in 1975 and served as chief of department for 12 years. He was a firefighter in the Stillwater, OK, Fire Department for three years while attending Oklahoma State University. Eisner was an honorary assistant chief of the FDNY and program director for the Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World and Firehouse Central conferences. He covered many major fires and disasters and interviewed numerous fire service leaders for Firehouse®
