The devastating fire that tore through northern El Paso County last month caused at least $85 million in damage, according to the county’s assessor. Mark Lowderman told the Denver Post on Tuesday that a full financial estimate on the ecological effects of the Black Forest fire might not be known for up to two years, when assessor’s office officials can determine the extent of tree damage on some lots and the effect those damages had on home resale values.

The Black Forest fire began June 11 and destroyed 486 homes and damaged 37 others. Two people were killed and more than 14,000 acres were burned. The fire’s cause has not been determined, but the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has said it was not a natural occurrence.

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