More than 500 homes have been destroyed by aggressive wildfires in Colorado, the western United States, the Boulder County Sheriff said Thursday, where the flames are moving fast, fueled by a historic drought.
“I want to emphasize that due to the magnitude and intensity of this fire, it would not be surprising if there were injuries or deaths.”
“We know that approximately 370 homes in the Sagamore subdivision were lost. There are another 210 homes that may have been lost in Old Town Superior,” Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle told a news conference.
At least an area of more than four miles was engulfed by flames in Boulder County, where authorities warn of a lethal situation because the fire is consuming hotels and shopping centers.
“I want to emphasize that due to the magnitude and intensity of this fire and it occurs in a very populated area, it would not be surprising if there are injuries or deaths,” Pelle said.
Thousands of people received an evacuation alert to flee the flames believed to have been unleashed by power poles collapsed by strong winds.
The National Meteorological Service affirmed that it is a situation “that is putting lives in danger.”
Winds of about 160 kilometers per hour were reported in several places, fanning the flames and hampering the firefighters’ effort.
Like much of the western United States, Colorado experienced years of drought that has left the area parched and vulnerable to wildfires.