Colorado fire: Up to 1,000 homes burned to ground as inferno declared most destructive ever
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet
Get our free Climate email
Up to 1,000 homes have been burned in what is being called the most destructive blaze in Colorado’s history.
Horrifying aerial footage shows the devastating impact of the fast-moving wildfire fanned by powerful winds that ripped through towns near Boulder,Colorado, on Thursday, prompting the evacuation of about 30,000 residents.
As the fires raged, startling video, filmed from a plane flying above the state, shows the towns of Superior and Louisville engulfed in flames at multiple locations.
Officials have declared the fire the most devastating ever to impact the state.
Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency, allowing the state to deploy emergency funds and resources including Colorado National Guard.
The wind gusts of 110 miles per hour had pushed fire at an astonishing speed, burning across 6,000 acres and destroying more than 500 homes — possibly as many as 1,000. Some owners watched on door-cams as fire approached their homes.
“This fire is, frankly, a force of nature,” said Mr Polis. “For those who have lost everything that they’ve had, know that we will be there for you to help rebuild your lives.”
The grass fire is believed to have been ignited by sparks from power lines and transformers toppled by high winds of Colorado’s drought-parched Front Range, according to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle.
The Boulder Office of Emergency Management has urged residents not to return to their homes.
Senator Michael Bennet says that sadly the state is used to disasters.
“In Colorado, we’re used to this, unfortunately. We’ve had our share of fires and floods and natural disaster. ... In every single case, we have built back stronger than we were before.”
More than 5 inches of snow expected in fire area
Any remaining fires will be extinguished later today as a cold front moves in and blankets the impacted area with a minimum of five inches of snow, with totals up to 12 inches possible.
Origin of fire not confirmed
The origin of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but it is still suspected that downed power lines caused the blaze.
500 homes confirmed destroyed, could be as high as 1,000
Damage assessment is still ongoing, but Sheriff Pelle says he would not be surprised if the number of homes lost reaches 1,000.
There is no exact estimate right now.
Crews are working as hard as they can to restore power in the area.
When asked about reports of dry fire hydrants in Louisville, Sheriff Pelle says there were some water pressure issues in the community but calls it “not unexpected” during an incident like this as destroyed homes leak water affecting the whole system.
It will be at least a day before a list of homes lost is posted as the damage assessment is done “address by address”.
While a map of the burn area is online at the Boulder Office of Emergency Management, authorities stress that not all the homes within that area have burned due to the patten of the fire.
Extent of fire at maximum
Sheriff Pelle says he does not expect the burn area to grow beyond the 6,000 acres already confirmed.
‘Fast motion’ blazes confound experts, ‘miracle’ no one dead
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said he was hoping for a “New Year’s miracle” that there would no fatalities from the devastating fires that have wiped out nearly 1,000 homes in the state.
The fast-moving fire fanned by powerful winds ripped through towns between Boulder and Denver, prompting the evacuation of about 30,000 residents on Thursday.
Bevan Hurley reports.
Colorado ‘holding out for miracle’ as ‘fast motion’ blazes confound experts
‘You can see how the wind and the topography drove that fire in certain directions, devastated some neighbourhoods and some blocks and left neighbours standing and intact’
Residents asked not to attempt to return yet
Residents have been asked to not attempt to return to their properties. There are still pockets of fire and hot zones in the impacted areas.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments