2020 ยท Boulder County

The CalWood Fire: Boulder County's largest at the time

The October 2020 CalWood Fire burned 10,113 acres near Jamestown and destroyed 26 homes, then the largest fire in Boulder County history.

The CalWood Fire capped Colorado's record 2020 season with a fast October run northwest of Boulder, becoming the largest fire in Boulder County history at the time.

Overview

Starting October 17, 2020 near Jamestown, the wind-driven CalWood Fire burned 10,113 acres and destroyed 26 homes in a single afternoon of explosive growth. Its cause was never determined.

Lessons

What the CalWood Fire teaches Colorado homeowners

Every major Colorado fire reinforces the same lesson: the homes most likely to survive are the ones prepared before a fire starts. Burning in mid-October, it underscored how Colorado's fire season now stretches deep into autumn. Creating defensible space, hardening the home against embers, and documenting the work for insurance and grant funding are the highest-leverage steps a homeowner can take.

Homeowners in the CalWood footprint can get a free assessment from our Boulder County team.

Not sure where your property stands? Check your wildfire risk score in under a minute, watch for new starts on the active fires map, and set up emergency fire alerts so you never miss an evacuation order.

Keep exploring

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FAQ

Questions about the CalWood Fire fire

How big was the CalWood Fire?

10,113 acres, the largest fire in Boulder County history at the time.

How many homes did the CalWood Fire destroy?

26 homes near Jamestown.

Could your home survive a fire like this? Get your wildfire risk score and a free defensible-space assessment.
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