The lightning-caused Decker Fire burned unusually late in the year near Salida.
Starting September 8, 2019 in the Sangre de Cristo range, the Decker Fire grew to 8,705 acres and burned into late October, threatening Salida before snow helped contain it.
Every major Colorado fire reinforces the same lesson: the homes most likely to survive are the ones prepared before a fire starts. Its late-season run is part of a clear trend: Colorado’s fire season now stretches well beyond summer. 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.
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.
The Spring Creek Fire (2018) burned 108,045 acres in southern Colorado and destroyed ~141 homes. Cause (arson), size, timeline and aftermath.
Read the overviewThe West Fork Complex (2013) burned ~109,000 acres in the San Juan Mountains. Among the largest Colorado fires, with minimal structure loss. Facts and context.
Read the overviewThe Grizzly Creek Fire (2020) burned 32,631 acres in Glenwood Canyon and shut down I-70 for two weeks. Cause, timeline, debris flows and aftermath.
Read the overviewThe complete, searchable record of every major Colorado wildfire in history.
Open the full guide8,705 acres near Salida.
Lightning, on September 8, 2019.
