A snowy winter, an even wetter spring. Trees, brush, and grasses flourished. Early summer, the rain stopped and rarely fell until autumn. Trees, brush, and grasses dried out. Then, during a fire ban, a match or campfire or sparks during target shooting or a cigarette butt... That's all it took.

The Cameron Peak Fire ignited on August 13, 2020 and roared into the Colorado history books as the largest wildfire ever to occur in the state. Driven by gusting winds occasionally topping 60 mph, the conflagration has consumed over 200,000 acres of forested land and destroyed dream homes, livelihoods, wildlife, and habitat that will not regenerate for decades. I've recently shared images here of some of the beauty that has disappeared. This is what swallowed that beauty. And continues to consume Colorado, only 62% contained. 

A match, or campfire, or sparks during target shooting, or a cigarette butt. That's all it took.

One person.

Ray

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Conflagration in the CanyonConflagration in the Canyon