The Royal Gorge Fire struck one of Colorado’s best-known tourist attractions.
Burning June 11, 2013 near Cañon City, the fire destroyed roughly 48 structures at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, though the landmark bridge itself largely survived. Its impact was measured in tourism and economic disruption rather than homes.
Every major Colorado fire reinforces the same lesson: the homes most likely to survive are the ones prepared before a fire starts. It is a reminder that wildfire threatens livelihoods and landmarks, not just residences. 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 Waldo Canyon Fire (2012) burned 18,247 acres into Colorado Springs, destroyed 347 homes and killed two. Cause, timeline and aftermath.
Read the overviewThe Black Forest Fire (2013) burned 14,280 acres NE of Colorado Springs, destroyed 489 homes and killed two, most destructive until Marshall. Facts 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 complete, searchable record of every major Colorado wildfire in history.
Open the full guide3,218 acres near Cañon City in Fremont County.
Roughly 48 structures at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
