by: Alex Rose
Posted: Dec 30, 2021 / 08:17 PM MST / Updated: Dec 31, 2021 / 12:58 PM MST
SUPERIOR, Colo. (KDVR) — In a matter of hours, the Marshall Fire burning south of Boulder destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Colorado state history.
High winds pushed the flames east, engulfing entire subdivisions and forcing tens of thousands of Coloradans to leave their homes.
According to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, more than 580 homes were burned as of Thursday evening. As of Saturday afternoon, that count jumped to 991 homes and structures burned between Superior, Louisville and unincorporated Boulder County.
While the Marshall Fire may not be the largest in state history, when the damage is completely assessed, it could prove to be twice as destructive as the Black Forest Fire that burned in Southern Colorado nearly a decade ago.