GLENWOOD SPRINGS - As several wildfires burn across the state, the deadly fire on Storm King Mountain is a reminder of just how dangerous it can be to fight those fires.
Friday, July 6, 2018 marks 24 years since the fire northwest of Glenwood Springs that killed 14 firefighters.
"This is the anniversary of Storm King where 14 lives were lost, "Gov. Hickenlooper said while speaking at a briefing about the Lake Christine Fire. "Everybody is very aware of that and sensitive to that. We've got to make sure the highest priority is the safety of the citizens but also the people fighting the fires."
A lightning strike started the South Canyon Fire on July 2, 1994. Four days later a front moved in and brought stronger winds which fueled the fire.
A group of hotshot firefighters were working the fire when the flames started racing up a ridge toward them. With little time to react, some firefighters were forced to use fire shields as protection but were unsuccessful. In all, 14 firefighters were killed.
Several of the firefighters who were killed were hot shots from Oregon.
In Glenwood Springs -- purple ribbons around town pay tribute to the firefighters who died. There's also a memorial trail on Storm King Mountain which follows a path the firefighters hiked to fight the fire.