Earth

Burn scar from fire in Colorado Springs

NASA has released an image of the burn scar from the Waldo Canyon Fire, which began on June 23, 2012 and became the most destructive fire in the history of the state of Colorado, destroying 346 homes in the city of Colorado Springs. InciWeb is reporting today (July 6, 2012) that the fire is 90% contained, but 776 firefighters are still in the area, on mop up and patrol or waiting for reassignment to other parts of the country. They remain on three-minute readiness to respond in the event of flareups. Those fire personnel are reporting that they can see smoke in Colorado Springs from the wildfires now burning in Wyoming.

NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this image of the burn scar from the Waldo Canyon fire on July 4, 2012. The fire destroyed 346 homes Colorado Springs, Colorado.

NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this false-color image of the Waldo Canyon burn scar on July 4, 2012. That day, light light rain fell on the fire and helped quell fire activity. Beginning today, heavier rains, cooler temperatures and higher humidity are predicted.

In this satellite image, vegetation-covered land is red. Patches of unburned forest are bright red, in contrast with areas where flecks of light brown indicate some burning. The darkest brown areas are the most severely burned. Buildings, roads, and other developed areas appear light gray and white. The bright red patches of vegetation near Colorado Springs are golf courses, parks, or other irrigated land.

According to an analysis conducted by the Denver Post, the combined value of the homes that burned to the ground in the neighborhood was at least $110 million.

Read more from NASA about this image

Posted 
July 6, 2012
 in 
Earth

Like what you read?
Subscribe and receive daily news delivered to your inbox.

Your email address will only be used for EarthSky content. Privacy Policy
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

More from 

Deborah Byrd

View All