2023 Colorado wildfires


The 2023 Colorado wildfire season was a series of wildfires that have been burning throughout the U.S. state of Colorado.

Background

While "fire season" varies every year based on different weather conditions, most wildfires occur between May and September with a fire risk year-round with an increasing danger during winter. Drought and decreasing snowpack levels and lowering snowmelt and runoff increase fire risk. These conditions, along with increased temperatures and decreased humidity, are becoming more common from climate change. Vegetation growth provides an ample fuel for fires. From 2011 to 2020 [Colorado wildfires|2020], Colorado experiences an average of 5,618 wildfires each year that collectively burn about.

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than, or produced significant structural damage or casualties.
NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef
403Gunnison1,09631 3 202313 4 2023The National [Centers for Environmental Information] did not document information about this wildfire.
Gageby CreekBent4,60019 4 202328 4 2023The National Centers for Environmental Information did not document information about this wildfire.
Spring CreekGarfield3,25624 7 2023October 1
LowlineGunnison1,99926 7 202313.12.2023Lightning-caused.
Bear CreekHinsdale1,09328 7 20232023Caused by lightning about northwest of Pagosa Springs.
Little MesaDelta4,00931 7 2023September 20
Quartz RidgeArchuleta2,8505 8 2023October 30
Dry LakeArchuleta1,37230 8 2023September 12
HopeMontezuma1,29021 9 20237 10 2023Lightning-caused. Burned northwest of Dolores.
IronMoffat7,39229 9 20235 10 2023Undetermined cause. Burned northwest of Craig.
Trail SpringsArchuleta1,35823.10.20232023Lighting-caused. Burned northwest of Pagosa Springs. Was 44% contained on November 24.