Burned area 13,572 acres (55 km) Buildings
destroyed 17 | Cause Lightning | |
 | ||
Location East side of East Spanish Peak, Huerfano County, Colorado Date(s) June 19, 2013 (2013-06-19) – July 9, 2013 (2013-07-09) | ||
The East Peak Fire is a forest fire that began east of the East Spanish Peak near La Veta, Colorado at 5:10 PM on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. The fire was originally named the Scout Ranch Fire because the fire was first reported by the Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch.
Events
The fire was first noticed by a Boy Scout on Wednesday, June 19 at Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch who saw smoke in the distance, and a staffer who went closer to investigate and could see visible flames. All the Boy Scouts plus staff camping at Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch quickly evacuated the camp because the staff and scouts drill for such events. Many went to the open shelter at John Mall High School in Walsenburg, Colorado, and some left to go home.
By the following day the fire had grown to over 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) with zero percent contained. Strong winds were causing the fire to make runs to the east and southeast. The entire town of Walsenburg is under pre-evacuation status. On Friday, June 21, officials reported the fire to be 9,000 acres (36 km2) and that at The Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch, 9 structures, and 4 out buildings have been destroyed.
On July 9, the fire was contained after burning 13,572 acres (54.92 km2) of land.