Hayman fire temperatures reached in excess of 400 degrees Celsius (752 F). At least one area reached more than 650 C, more than 1,200 F.
Rocky Mountain Forest Fires
Hayman fire burn area restoration continues in Colorado
Work was underway in late 2002 to stabilize soils and remove hazardous trees from the most heavily used areas. Rehabilitation work, including aerial seeding and mulching, was also conducted.
Forest health debate rages long after 2002 fires extinguished
Wildfires burned over 7.1 million acres of public and private lands during the summer of 2002, mostly in the western U.S. While battling these fires, 21 firefighters were killed.
Researchers link Colorado forest fires, atmospheric carbon increases
Researchers developed a computer model of a complex forest ecosystem to simulate the release of carbon during the 2002 fire season in Colorado.
After the fires: Mesa Verde National Park
Two lightning-ignited fires roared through forests of pinon pine, Utah juniper and Gambel oak in Mesa Verde National Park, scorching 21,061 acres in the park and another 7,786 acres nearby.
U.S. Forest Service adopts Thirtymile Fire Action Plan
Proposed management and policy changes to improve firefighter safety were accepted by USFS.
Mercury emissions found in wildfire smoke
During a wildfire, mercury stored in the foliage and ground litter is released and carried into the atmosphere.