Forecast high winds along the Front Range on Wednesday revive memories of the devastating 2021 Marshall fire that destroyed more than 1,000 homes when gusts downed energized power lines. Xcel Energy now weighs proactive power cuts to avoid similar ignitions amid dangerously dry conditions.
The Marshall fire erupted under comparable wind events with gusts exceeding 100 mph, rapidly consuming neighborhoods in Boulder County. One ignition point involved power equipment, leading Xcel to settle lawsuits with victims and insurance companies, though without admitting liability for starting the fire.
Xcel Energy is monitoring weather models predicting gusts up to 65 mph starting Wednesday afternoon, according to alerts the company issued Monday. Prolonged drought over several weeks, combined with a recent stretch of near-record warm temperatures, has left vegetation fuels extremely dry across the region…