Rebuilding in the wake of the worst fire in Colorado history may not be underway for months to come, say officials in Colorado.
What is being called the Marshall Fire is thought to have destroyed nearly 1,100 structures, both residential and commercial, while significantly damaging around 150 more.
The grass fire broke out on the morning of December 30, helped along by wind gusts in the range of 115 miles per hour, prompting the evacuation of the town of Superior and the nearby cities of Broomfield and Louisville.
After a full day in which the fire spread to some 6,200 acres, the fire was finally most effectively doused by a heavy snowfall.
Authorities estimate that damage from the fire is well over the $500 million mark, with many homeowners getting some assistance and relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In a town hall meeting, Kevin Klein, Colorado Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, noted that there will be a path to rebuilding, but added: “There are different phases. There is short term, intermediate, and long-term recovery. The long-term recovery is going to take years.”
In an interview with the Associated Press, Kelly Moye, spokesperson for the Colorado Association of Realtors, said the rebuilding is “going to take forever.”
Moye noted that such efforts are additionally hampered by the continuing lack of building supplies due to the national supply chain crunch.
“It’s a huge chunk of the population who all need the same thing,” she added. “And they all need it right now.”
Experts say the rebuilding effort will also be hampered by the need to first remove toxic debris from the burn sites.
By Garry Boulard
