Denver-area Stone Canyon Fire turns deadly as California’s Park Fire torches an area larger than Los Angeles
Stone Canyon Fire in Colorado Claims Life
A wildfire outbreak has resulted in a tragic loss of life in Denver, Colorado. The Stone Canyon Fire, one of three wildfires currently ravaging the Denver area, has claimed at least one life. According to Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson, the remains of a fire victim were found in a home in the path of the fire on Wednesday.
The Stone Canyon Fire has consumed over 1,500 acres and destroyed five homes, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced. Firefighting efforts continue as parts of the town of Lyon see a lifting of their evacuation orders. However, getting the residents back might take some time as the gas service was shut down as a precaution.
Quarry Fire Spreads Rapidly, Posing New Challenges
Simultaneously, the Quarry Fire, earlier known as the Wildland Fire, has spread from 50 acres to 341 acres, forcing evacuations in several neighborhoods southwest of Denver. The firefighting efforts are compounded by the challenging, mountainous terrain, and a surprising predicament – a rattlesnake problem, reported Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Mark Techmeyer.
Adding to the challenges, local officials stated that because of the numerous wildfires currently blazing through Colorado, there is a shortage of resources. The race against the clock and nature is profound.
California’s Park Fire: A Historic Inferno
Meanwhile, on the west coast, California grapples with Park Fire – an inferno larger than the City of Angels. The Park Fire, which started on July 24 in Northern California, is now recorded as the fifth-largest wildfire in the state’s history. Having swallowed over 391,000 acres, the wildfire has surpassed the size of Los Angeles. Over 5,800 personnel battle the blaze, deploying more than 500 fire engines and 40 helicopters.
Another blaze known as the Borel Fire has also wrought havoc in Southern California, decimating a historic mining community in Kern County. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to this as well as the Park and Gold Complex fires.
The Suspect Behind the Park Fire
Ronnie Dean Stout II, the man charged with suspected arson and starting the Park Fire, could face additional charges. A witness reported seeing Stout pushing a burning car down a 60-foot embankment. However, Stout maintains that he did not push the car. His arraignment continues on Thursday.
95 large wildfires blaze across the U.S.
Across the nation, there are 95 large wildfires burning, scorching a combined 2.1 million acres. On Wednesday, the National Interagency Fire Center reported that so far in 2024, 28,154 wildfires had burned 4,449,282 acres – an area larger than the size of Connecticut. Gusty winds and rising temperatures could exacerbate the situation, potentially creating further challenges for first responders in the coming days.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
