The Waldo Canyon Fire

The Waldo Canyon Fire shocked Colorado by burning directly into the Mountain Shadows neighborhood of Colorado Springs.

Overview

Beginning June 23, 2012 west of Colorado Springs, the fire made a wind-driven run into the city on June 26, destroying 347 homes in hours and killing two residents. At the time it was the most destructive wildfire in state history, a record it held for less than a year.

The cause

Despite extensive investigation, the specific ignition source was never determined, and the case remains officially unsolved.

Lessons

What the Waldo Canyon 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. It was the moment Colorado’s cities realized dense urban neighborhoods, not just mountain cabins, are exposed to wildfire. 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 Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region can get a free assessment from our Pikes Peak Region and Colorado Springs teams.

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.