On Sept. 16, the Northwest Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received calls about smoke in the Crystal Lakes area. Firefighters quickly were able to locate the source of the flames. 

The Pearl Fire began spreading from a private property about five miles northwest of Red Feather Lakes, forcing about 2,000 people to evacuate the area as firefighters used helicopters and air tankers to drop water and fire retardant on the burn.

The next day the Pearl Fire was estimated to cover 128 acres with only 5% containment. Containment refers to the perimeter made by firefighters to stop the spread of the flames. In response to the spread of the burn, Governor Polis made an official declaration of disaster emergency. 

Thanks to the commitment of the first responders on the scene, 90% fire containment was reached on Sept. 21, lifting evacuation orders. Only one building was damaged despite the fire’s proximity to nearby residential areas. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire but are not releasing more information at this time. 

Colorado has had its fair share of devastating fires in the past, including the Marshall Fire in December 2021, which killed two individuals and destroyed hundreds of homes in Boulder. The fire was especially destructive and resulted from a freak combination of drought and high wind speeds. Climate scientists largely attribute the increased wildfire frequency in Colorado to climate change.

As wildfires become more common in the American West, scientists are voicing their concerns over forest regeneration. Due to the increased intensity, temperature and frequency of wildfires, seeds that normally survive wildfires are not able to establish themselves. The barren and charred slopes resulting from serious wildfires are more susceptible to erosion, in addition to the potential loss of snowpack.

Despite state and environmental groups working on replanting trees in addition to wildfire mitigation, many remain concerned over how increased wildfires will affect Colorado.