SUPERIOR, Colo. (KDVR) — In just a few hours, the Marshall Fire south of Boulder destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Colorado state history.
Strong winds pushed the flames east, engulfing entire subdivisions and forcing thousands of Coloradoans to leave their homes.
According to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pele, more than 580 homes had burned down as of Thursday evening. That count does not include burned homes in Louisville and other parts of Boulder County. It also does not account for businesses that have been affected by the fire.
While the Marshall Fire may not be the largest in state history, when the damage is fully assessed, it could prove twice as devastating as the Black Forest Fire that burned in southern Colorado nearly a decade ago.
Black Forest Fire
In 2013, 511 homes were destroyed in the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County. Another 28 houses were damaged.
Two people died in the Black Forest Fire: Mark Herklotz, 52, and his wife, 50-year-old Robin Herklotz, according to the El Paso County Coroner.
Both were in their garage and apparently preparing to die.
The Black Forest fires burned more than 14,000 acres.
East Troublesome Fire
In Grand County, 366 homes were destroyed in the 2020 East Troublesome Fire. It was one of several wildfires that year, and the second largest wildfire in the state's history.
The East Troublesome Fire burned 193,812 acres. Only the Cameron Peak Fire burned more at 208,913 on the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Both Lyle and Marilyn Hillman died in the fire. A year later, his son Glenn is working to convert his property into his parents' dream home.
Waldo Canyon Fire
In 2012 in southern Colorado, 346 homes were destroyed in the Waldo Canyon fire.
The fire began three miles west of Colorado Springs on June 23. Three days later, it exploded in a firestorm eastward toward the city in extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.
High Park Fire
In 2012 in northwestern Larimer County, 259 homes were destroyed in the High Park Fire.
The fire was caused by lightning and started burning on June 9. By June 30 this was completely brought under control.
The fire burned more than 87,000 acres. A 62-year-old woman died in the fire.