(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Tuesday, June 11, 2024, marked 11 years since the Black Forest Fire sparked in El Paso County. It was the most destructive wildfire in Colorado’s history at the time, surpassing the Waldo Canyon Fire just a year earlier.
The Black Forest Fire burned more than 14,000 acres, killed two people, and destroyed more than 500 homes. The cost to fight the fire totaled $9.23 million and losses from the fire exceeded $420 million.
Today, the burn scar continues to heal and constantly reminds the community of the Black Forest Fire’s devastating impacts.
“It was a really strong community and a lot of Black Forest locals ended up moving out of the forest and out of the state because they couldn’t handle seeing the landscape anymore,” said Amber Sathre, Owner of the Black Forest Liquor Store. “Our business was hugely impacted during the fire because we lost so many locals and it did change the culture quite a bit.”
While the origin of the Black Forest Fire is known, the cause has not been determined. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to please call their tip line at (719) 520-7777.
In reflection of the devastating fire, FOX21 News hosted a 10-year anniversary special in 2023, which can be viewed in the video player above.
