On Aug. 2, a lightning strike sparked what Gov. James Polis called a “disaster.” From early August to mid-September, two wildfires devastated communities in Rio Blanco, Colorado.
The Lee and Elk Fires, which are now contained, left many Colorado citizens desperate for relief. The fires highlight the state’s growing vulnerability to drought and warming conditions linked to climate change.
Climate change has turned the state into an even drier and warmer hotspot for droughts due to increasing emissions of greenhouse gasses from fossil-fuel combustion in the Western Slope. In 2020 alone, Colorado experienced its three largest wildfires ever recorded, and the influence of climate change can be noted through the fact that all of Colorado’s 20 most devastating wildfires have occurred in the past 20 years. Instead of being a cycle that may dissipate eventually, the lack of precipitation in Colorado seems to be more of an irreversible trend.
Colorado has warmed more than four degrees Fahrenheit, which notably surpasses pre-industrial levels due to global increases in the utilization of greenhouse gases and anthropogenic sources, which only elevates the risk of wildfires in the state.
Taylor Denitto, a DU student from California, has witnessed several wildfires.
“We had to evacuate the area one time because the smoke was so intense,” she said. “Climate change is everyone’s part, but I think an easier way to limit our contribution to these fires is to be mindful of fire restrictions when camping and hiking.”
This month, Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest energy provider, agreed to pay a $640 million settlement for its role in the 2021 Marshall Fire.
Two people were killed in the fire and several homes and businesses across Boulder were destroyed. Investigators found an unattached Xcel power line in the fire’s aftermath, which is believed to have ignited the fire.
Wildfires are happening more often in Colorado, and they’re increasingly costly and life-threatening. The consequences of technological errors and worsening impacts from climate change are becoming readily apparent as Coloradans face what could be one of the worst fire years on record.
