The week lodged between Christmas and New Years Eve is often thought of as one to relax and celebrate with family. A way to remove yourself from the stresses of regular life, and for student-athletes, a chance to decompress and recuperate ahead of the spring season.
However, for thousands of families residing in the suburban areas north of Denver, Colorado, Dec. 30, 2021 offered no such comfort. The wildfire that swept through the highly populated communities was among the most destructive in the state's history and forced many to evacuate with a mix of fear and confusion.