When was the “Hayman” Fire?

The Hayman Fire was a forest fire started on June 8, 2002, 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado,  and 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Denver, Colorado,  and became the largest wildfire in the state’s recorded history at over 138,114 acres.

Hundreds of firefighters fought the fast-moving fire, which caused nearly $40 million in firefighting costs, burned 133 homes, 138,114 acres, and forced the evacuation of 5,340 people.

Smoke could be seen and smelled across the state from Vail, 55 miles (89 km) northwest, to Burlington, 188 miles (303 km) east, and from Broomfield, 50 miles (80 km) north, to Walsenburgh, 130 miles (210 km) south.

The Hayman Fire burned from June 8, 2002, until it was classified as contained on July 18, 2002. The cause of the wildfire was found to be arson.