The 2024 wildfire season in Colorado saw significant blazes, including the Alexander Mountain Fire and the Big Gulch Fire. Both fires have been fully contained, but their impact remains. This article provides updates on both incidents.
The Alexander Mountain Fire, located north of Big Thompson Canyon in Larimer County, began on July 29, 2024. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service. Burning across 9,668 acres, the fire resulted in the destruction of 26 homes and 21 outbuildings, while damaging four other homes. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Containment was achieved on August 17, 2024, after weeks of intensive firefighting efforts.
The Big Gulch Fire ignited on August 7, 2024, in Moffat County, near Craig. Investigators suspect lightning as the likely cause. This fire consumed 1,164 acres, spanning both public and private lands. Quick action by wildfire crews from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, and Craig Fire resulted in full containment by August 9, 2024. No structures were threatened, and Highway 40 remained open throughout the incident.
While both fires are 100% contained, monitoring continues. The Big Gulch Fire, though contained, continues to burn within its perimeter on BLM and private land. Due to dry conditions, dust devils forming within the burn scar pose a concern, prompting ongoing monitoring by fire crews. These dust devils can potentially lift embers and ignite new fires outside the containment lines. Firefighters are actively patrolling and addressing hot spots to prevent any further spread.
