The Hayman Fire began in the confines of a fire ring on June 8, 2002. The flames spread, igniting nearby debris and leaping to the crowns of surrounding pines. A perfect storm of drought, record high temperatures (at the time, anyway), and gusting winds fueled a 138,000 acre inferno. The fire jumped roads and clearcuts, spreading into the southern corner of Colorado’s Lost Creek Wilderness Area and setting a vast tract of ponderosa pine ablaze.
While the Hayman Fire burned, a reporter asked then Governor Bill Owens what the scene looked like. “It looks as if all of Colorado is burning today,” Governor Owens replied.