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On December 30, 2021, a fire that had begun in a field near Boulder, Colorado, was whipped into a frenzy by strong Chinook winds. The flames quickly became the most destructive fire in the state’s history, covering over 6,000 acres. Personnel from every fire department in the area fought the blaze that came to be known as the Marshall fire. It claimed two lives, injured eight, destroyed 1,085 structures, damaged nearly 150 more, and forced the evacuation of 37,500 residents. They fled their homes with little notice due to the fire’s rapid growth, described as unprecedented by those who worked to extinguish it. This book chronicles the origins of the Marshall fire, how and why it was able to grow so large in only four hours, and the toll it took on communities, residents, firefighters, and law enforcement.
The comprehensive level of research done by the author is evident on every page. Fire and law enforcement dispatch recordings were reviewed, and fire chiefs, firefighters, residents, and town officials were interviewed about their personal experiences. The author has helpfully included color photos and maps throughout, as well as the history of the affected areas for context. Each chapter begins with the area’s weather forecast for the day to illustrate the extreme winds that fanned the flames. However, this isn’t only the story of a monster fire’s destruction and the pain it caused. It is also the poignant story of how communities and residents have dealt with the aftermath as well as the beginning of the rebuilding process. After taking readers through the rollercoaster ride of battling and fleeing the fire, the book concludes by providing a glimpse of the hope for the future held by those affected.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review