Marshall Fire Remains Under Investigation

The most destructive fire in Colorado’s history started on December 30 and burned more than 6,000 acres in less than 24 hours. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials believe they have traced the origin to a neighborhood off 93 and Marshall Road, where a passerby recorded a video of a shed fire in the early morning of December 30. 

“The fire originated somewhere in that neighborhood,” Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said during a news briefing on the Marshall Fire recovery efforts. “There was a viral video that was posted of a shed on fire. We don’t know that that shed started the fire or whether it was secondary.”

The shed was located on a five-acre compound owned by the religious sect Twelve Tribes. Boulder County law enforcement vehicles have been stationed at the compound for several days, though officials have not confirmed why they are there. 

“If there was any form of deliberate or accidental arson, I fully expect that any of those responsible will be held fully responsible under the law for the utter devastation that was caused,” Governor Jared Polis said.

Backed by hurricane-force winds, more than 1,000 structures were destroyed by the fire throughout Superior, Louisville, and Boulder County including houses, businesses, and schools. Boulder County Emergency Management had contained the perimeter of the fire as of January 4 and are confident that it will not grow further. 

Two people remain unaccounted for: a woman from Superior and a man from outside Marshall. There have been no reported casualties thus far. 

Officials estimated the fire caused between $819 million to $1.6 billion of damages to homes alone, not counting the various businesses and other structures affected. 

As the community began to take stock in what was lost, many Front Range businesses started fundraisers to help with shelter or food scarcity. Dozens of Boulder and Denver restaurants are offering free meals to those affected by the fire in an effort called Restaurant Revive. 

Eateries taking part in this effort include Ace Eat Serve, Atomic Chicken, Bartaco, My Neighbor Felix, Ska Street, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and more. Blake Street Tavern in Denver is collecting donations, including water, blankets, toiletries, and other items those affected might need.

Monetary donations are best given to either Boulder County Wildfire Fund or American Red Cross of Colorado.

Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, we have learned that there was one casualty.