The Fires of 2020
The western United States is in the grips of a severe drought. The pine bark beetle epidemic has killed many trees over the past 20 years. When fire season arrived, with high winds, low relative humidities, and record high temps, the forest fires raged out-of-control. Air quality was poor due to particulates in the air. Pyrocumulus clouds caused red sunsets and generally darkened skies.
The Cameron Peak fire reached the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fires raised havoc and generated fear.
Smoke from several Colorado fires blocked out the sun and created red sunsets.
The fire came within a few miles of Estes Park. This photo captured at Lake Estes, looking north.
Pyrocumulus clouds rose from the north border of Rocky Mountain National Park. The cars in this photo are on Trail Ridge Road near the Alpine Visitors’ Center.
Beautiful light at sunset caused a surreal view... maybe a bit scary. The Cameron Peak Fire burns uncontained.
Surreal scenes
I had never seen such a big fire. The Cameron Peak fire turned out to be the largest in Colorado history. The winds and dry conditions eventually threatend Estes Park. The town was evacuated on October 22, 2020. The only thing that saved us was the 17” of snow which a few days later.
Too close for comfort
From the entrance to MacGregor Ranch, the fire appeared to be a major threat to the Estes Valley.
Pyrocumulus clouds rise ominously above Lumpy Ridge.