By Christian Leman Environment Featured News June 18, 2022

Smoke in Suburbia

In this original photo essay, Christian Leman explores both the physical and environmental damages from three Colorado wildfires. The photos serve to inform the public about the frequent rise of wildfires near suburban areas.

The purpose of this photo essay is to document the growing regularity of Colorado’s wildfires. The photos presented here track an interesting, yet deadly trend in Colorado wildfire history. Wildfires such as the Marshall Fire, the NCAR Fire and the Table Mountain Fire have been growing in regularity in suburban areas.

Spreading through hundreds of neighborhoods, the recent wildfires put not just wildlife and wildlands at danger, but thousands of Colorado residents. By viewing documentation of the fires as they happen, and the areas months after the fires are extinguished, viewers are able to better understand the severity of Colorado’s growing wildfires.

Marshall Fire

Recorded as the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, The Marshall Fire burned over 6,000 acres leveling more than 1,000 homes in its wake. The Marshall Fire began in the early afternoon of December 30th with the first smoke being sighted near Marshall Road, and Highway 93 in Boulder County. The blaze spread quickly, propelled by winds up to 100mph. Over the course of a few hours, the flames tore through the town of Superior, before crossing Highway 36, sweeping through the town of Louisville. In just 24 hours, The Marshall Fire would become the most destructive fire in state history, leaving thousands of Coloroans homeless, just hours before the new year.

A plume of smoke rises from burning houses in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on Dec. 30.

A plume of smoke rises from burning houses in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on Dec. 30.
The skeleton of an older car crushes the remains of a barbed wire fence. Charred frames of other vehicles rest in the background in what appears to be a scrap yard in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.

The skeleton of an older car crushes the remains of a barbed wire fence. Charred frames of other vehicles rest in the background in what appears to be a scrap yard in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.
Charred trees stand tall over what looks to be the destroyed remains of a home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.

Charred trees stand tall over what looks to be the destroyed remains of a home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.
The sun shines through the remains of a fireplace. Ashes and charred personal belongings lay scattered in what used to be the backyard of a home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.

The sun shines through the remains of a fireplace. Ashes and charred personal belongings lay scattered in what used to be the backyard of a home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.
An almost unrecognizable street sign remains on the corner of 76th Street and West Coal Creek Drive in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.

An almost unrecognizable street sign remains on the corner of 76th Street and West Coal Creek Drive in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.
The remains of what looks to be an outdoor grill lie burnt among a heap of twisted metal. This was a common scene in many neighborhoods in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.

The remains of what looks to be an outdoor grill lie burnt among a heap of twisted metal. This was a common scene in many neighborhoods in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 20.
The flames tore through thousands of lives, burning memories along with them. A charred children's swing-set rests among the destruction in what used to be the backyard of a home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 21.

The flames tore through thousands of lives, burning memories along with them. A charred children's swing-set rests among the destruction in what used to be the backyard of a home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 21.
The skeleton of a 1970s AMC Javelin rests in the driveway of a destroyed home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 21.

The skeleton of a 1970s AMC Javelin rests in the driveway of a destroyed home in Superior. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 21.

Aftermath of the NCAR Fire

While there are few photos in this section, the NCAR Fire left significant damage to the environment of Boulder Canyon. Unlike the Marshall Fire, this fire did not damage any structures, but it burned hundreds of acres of forestland, creeping within hundreds of yards of the NCAR facility. Although it may not have swept through neighborhoods, burning down the homes of Colorado residents, the NCAR Fire gave residents a sobering reminder of the regularity of wildfires, some yards away from their homes

A warning sign placed by Boulder County stands at the entrance of NCAR Road in Boulder. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 18.

A warning sign placed by Boulder County stands at the entrance of NCAR Road in Boulder. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 18.
Charred trees and soil scar the landscape near Boulder Canyon. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 18.

Charred trees and soil scar the landscape near Boulder Canyon. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 18.
Dead trees and charred forest lay close to retardant-stained grass. Just yards away from the retardant line, a home can be seen nestled away in Fern Canyon in Boulder. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 18.

Dead trees and charred forest lay close to retardant-stained grass. Just yards away from the retardant line, a home can be seen nestled away in Fern Canyon in Boulder. Photo by Christian Leman, taken on April 18.

Table Mountain Fire

While working on this project, this reporter got word of a fire starting up in Longmont. As soon as he was out of class, he jumped in his car and headed towards Longmont, not knowing what to expect. Once near the NOAA Table Mountain Test Facility, he could see smoldering grass, and gray smoke lifting towards the clouds.

The fire did not destroy any structures, but it quickly burned over 50 acres within the first hour, causing the evacuation of over 300 residents. Like both the Marshall Fire and NCAR Fire, the Table Mountain Fire began during the daytime, burning acres of land close to suburban areas.