A Natural History of Wildfire in Colorado and the West
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Chapter 1: The Hayman Fire and Its Aftermath
On June 8, 2002, an unattended campfire in Pike National Forest, Colorado, sparked a catastrophic wildfire. The flames rapidly spread, fueled by dry conditions, extreme heat, and strong winds, culminating in a devastating 138,000-acre fire known as the Hayman Fire.
While the inferno raged, then-Governor Bill Owens remarked, "It looks as if all of Colorado is burning today." This fire destroyed thousands of trees, 600 structures, and 133 homes, forcing over 5,000 residents to evacuate. The smoke was visible from nearly 200 miles away, and the air quality deteriorated significantly, leading to health emergencies, including a fatal asthma attack in a nearby town. The blaze persisted for more than a month, decimating ecosystems and human habitats alike.
Subsection 1.1: The Aftermath of the Hayman Fire
Once the rain fell, it washed tons of ash and debris into the Cheesman Reservoir and the South Platte River, staining waterways brown. For years, Denver's water supply suffered from contamination, necessitating millions in annual cleanup efforts. The landscape now bears the scars of the fire—charred land and blackened trees remain, reminiscent of a kiln-baked terrain.
The Hayman Fire held the record as Colorado's largest wildfire until 2020, when several other fires surpassed it in size during an unprecedented fire season. In that year alone, over 700,000 acres ignited across Colorado, with fires continuing into December, which was previously considered outside the typical fire season. Alarmingly, more land was consumed in 2020 than all the wildfires combined in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
The Marshall Tucker Band's "Fire on the Mountain" encapsulates the tumultuous spirit of wildfires and their impact on the environment. The song reflects the emotional and physical toll of fire on communities and landscapes.
Subsection 1.2: Climate Change and Fire Trends
The increase in wildfire intensity and frequency can be traced back to the late 18th century when humanity began extensively burning fossil fuels. This action has led to a significant rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, contributing to the greenhouse effect. As greenhouse gases accumulate, they trap solar energy, leading to rising global temperatures.
In 1750, carbon dioxide levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm); by 2020, this figure had climbed to 412.5 ppm, correlating with an approximate 2-degree Fahrenheit increase in average global temperatures, as reported by NASA.
The warming trend is accelerating. Since 1975, human-induced emissions have surpassed all previous historical totals, with two-thirds of the planet's warming occurring in the last 50 years. North America has experienced a temperature increase of 0.31 to 0.54 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, severely impacting wildfire dynamics.
The Grateful Dead's live performance of "Fire on the Mountain" serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted connection between fire, nature, and human experience, illustrating the cultural significance of wildfire in shaping communities.
Chapter 2: The Changing Landscape of Wildfire
The year 2020 also marked a significant climate event as Colorado faced extreme drought conditions, with 94% of the state classified as dry. This situation set the stage for a catastrophic fire season, as the combination of heat and lack of moisture dried out the landscape, making it ripe for ignition. Projections indicate that by 2050, Colorado's climate may warm by 2.5 to 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit, further exacerbating wildfire risks.
The rise in vapor pressure deficits (VPD)—a measure of dryness in the air—has been linked to increased wildfire frequency. As VPD rises, the air becomes thirstier, drawing moisture from soils and vegetation. This phenomenon has been particularly pronounced in the southwestern United States, contributing to heightened forest mortality rates.
With earlier springs and longer summers, fire seasons in the western United States have expanded significantly. Since the 1970s, fire seasons have lengthened by 84 days, with nearly a third of the land that burned in Colorado in 2020 igniting in or after October, once considered outside the fire season.
The history of wildfires in the American West reflects a profound shift. Prior to European settlement, wildfires were generally low-intensity, burning small patches of land. Today, however, the scale of wildfires has vastly increased, with 80 wildfires recorded in Colorado in 2020 alone, 25 of which exceeded 1,000 acres.
As a result of human mismanagement, Colorado's forests have become unnaturally dense, creating excess fuel for wildfires. A study showed that the density of ponderosa pines has increased nearly fivefold since pre-settlement times.
Wildfires, when allowed to burn in their natural cycles, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological health by recycling nutrients and fostering biodiversity. However, the suppression of wildfires for over a century has led to a build-up of flammable material, increasing the likelihood of severe fires.
In summary, the interplay of climate change, human activity, and wildfire dynamics shapes the current landscape of Colorado's forests and ecosystems. The lessons learned from past fires will be critical in navigating future wildfire challenges.