The 2024 wildfire season in Colorado witnessed significant fires, including the Alexander Mountain and Big Gulch fires. While both are now contained, their impact remains. This article provides updates on each incident.
The Alexander Mountain Fire, north of Big Thompson Canyon in Larimer County, ignited on July 29, 2024. The cause remains under investigation by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service. Burning across 9,668 acres, it destroyed 26 homes and 21 outbuildings, damaging four more. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Containment was achieved on August 17, 2024, after weeks of intense firefighting.
The Big Gulch Fire started on August 7, 2024, in Moffat County, near Craig. Investigators suspect lightning as the cause. This fire consumed 1,164 acres of public and private land. Rapid response by 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.
Although both fires are 100% contained, monitoring continues. The Big Gulch Fire, while contained, still burns within its perimeter on BLM and private land. Dry conditions and dust devils within the burn scar pose a risk, as they could lift embers and ignite new fires. Firefighters are patrolling and addressing hot spots to prevent further spread.