Colorado Environment & Hazard Risk

The estimated damage is for the entire episode.

Marshall Fire devastated portions of Marshall, Superior and Louisville. Strong downslope winds, with gusts up to 100 mph, fanned a grass fire that originated near the town of Marshall and quickly spread east to Superior and Louisville. The fire was the costliest fire in state history, and residential and business property losses alone were estimated to be slightly over $2 Billion. In all, 1,094 homes were destroyed and 266 homes were damaged. In addition, 7 commercial properties were destroyed and 30 others sustained damage. Tens of thousands fled the fire. Two people died in the fire, while six others were injured.

Freezing rain, up to a half inch thick, quickly accumulated on roads and other surfaces at the beginning of the morning commute. There were hundreds of vehicle accidents and many roads were closed due to crashed vehicles blocking those roads. There were numerous injuries to those who slipped and fell. In fact, emergency rooms at hospitals in the Grand Valley exceeded their daily admittance records with over 200 people treated for broken bones and other blunt force injuries. Schools were closed throughout the Grand Valley, and many businesses were negatively impacted by either not opening, opening late, or the lack of customers.

The property estimate value was the total storm damage summary for the event.

The East Troublesome Fire destroyed 555 structures. Two fatalities were confirmed. Nine buildings suffered major damage and 34 sustained minor damage. Among the buildings destroyed, 366 were residential and 189 were outbuildings. Ten buildings belonging to businesses were destroyed in the fire. Grand County estimated that debris removal could exceed over 30,000 cubic yards and cost more than $27 million to haul off. The property damage estimate only includes the destroyed residences and outbuildings.

Eight persons were transported to the hospital from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Time and hail estimated.