Remembering the 2000 Bobcat Fire in Colorado

Cedar Springs Reservoir
Aug 10
2 min read

In 2000, Colorado faced a significant wildland fire known as the Bobcat Fire, especially notable in the Roosevelt National Forest region near Drake. The blaze burned through steep, dry forest areas, posing threats to local communities and requiring rapid, coordinated firefighting efforts.

Fire Behavior & Impact

The fire ignited in a heavily forested region that had ample wildfire fuels, including beetle-killed timber and dry undergrowth. These conditions allowed the fire to spread quickly and make containment particularly challenging. While exact figures on acreage and structure damage remain scarce, its inclusion in regional wildfire assessments emphasizes its significance in local fire history.

Lessons Learned & Legacy

The Bobcat Fire contributed to evolving wildfire management in the region:

Enhanced preparedness and strategic deployment became a focus for local agencies.
The fire underscored the importance of fuel reduction, terrain-informed response plans, and community readiness.
It also emphasized the need for clear evacuation protocols, especially in mountainous areas like Drake.

These practices laid groundwork for responding to later major fires, including the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires in 2020.

Why It Still Matters

Although less widely remembered than more recent mega-fires, the 2000 Bobcat Fire remains a critical reference point for:

Understanding risk factors in mid-elevation forest terrain.
Recognizing how legacy fuel management—or its absence—can shape fire behavior.
Reinforcing the importance of preparedness and proactive stewardship in safeguarding community resources like Cedar Springs Reservoir.