Colorado Wildfires

The Environmental & Economic Effects of Wildfires in Colorado Springs

The potential for wildfires has increased in the Western United States over the last several years. Scientists and researchers tout climate change with increasing temperatures as well as drought as the main culprit of the increasing number of wildfires. It is projected that rising temperatures will continue and lead to even more frequent, large, and severe wildfires as well as even longer wildfire seasons (Cleetus & Mulik, 2014). It is crucial to find ways to prevent and reduce costs associated with wildfires in these western states. The effects of wildfires hit areas environmentally and economically. These effects are often felt several years after wildfires occur.

The

In addition to property damages and loss of life, there were other damages caused from this wildfire. These other damages consisted of wildlife, plant life, soil degradation and watershed damage. Economic damages from this wildfire were substantial to the local and state economy. Some costs incurred by these economic damages were in the form of firefighting costs, insurance claims, home displacement costs and business closures during the duration of the

The response agencies and organizations included state and federal agencies as well as nearby fire and police departments. Many of the same assets were utilized in the fighting of this fire including aircraft to fight this fire. It is reported that the Black Forest firefighting costs at $14.8 million and had a total market value loss of just over $116 million (2104). The Black Forest fire added to the economic effects from the previous year’s wildfire yet costing the local economy additional hardships. Wages for first responders and costs for increased manpower are just a few more factors involved to capture some of the costs associated with fighting the