INFERNO!

About the Book

The December 30, 2021, Marshall Fire outside of Boulder will be remembered as the most destructive inferno in Colorado history and one of the top fifteen worst fires in the western U.S. In a little over four hours, the fire, fueled by high velocity Chinook winds, burns 6,026 acres, consumes 1,084 structures, and damages many additional. Over 37,500 residents evacuate. Most flee without receiving any warning, leaving with little more than the shirts on their backs, escaping a fire burning minutes behind. Miraculously, only two persons are killed and eight injured during the fire. Though everyone’s story is unique, common experiences abound. Scenes during the fire are surreal with one house engulfed in flames while its neighbor sits untouched with Christmas lights twinkling. The fury of the wind decides what burns and what stands untouched. “INFERNO!” is the true story of the Marshall fire and the many miracles that occur during and after. Interviews, local history and pictures convey the turmoil, tragedy and drama of this nightmare.

About the Author

A native of Ohio, Tom Gormley graduated Ohio State University with a degree in Engineering and Colorado State University with a Master’s in Business.  With over forty years business experience in high tech industries, Tom is now writing.  An avid history buff, his first book, “A Korean War Odyssey”, tells of locating his wife’s uncle, long lost during the Korean War.  His second, “INFERNO!”, is the story of the Colorado Marshall fire and the many miracles that surround it.  Tom and his wife live in Colorado in the countryside near the fire.  They love to travel in their motorhome with their companion Havanese, Koko.