Colo. Fire Turns Deadly, Most Destructive in State’s History
Posted by feww on June 14, 2013
Black Forest Fire consumes 18,000 acres destroys at least 360 homes, kills 2
The most destructive fire in Colorado’s history continued spreading Thursday, forcing the authorities to issue mandatory evacuations for 38,000 people living in 13,000 homes across 70 square miles.
The blaze had burned at least 18,000 acres in heavily wooded hills, devouring more than 360 homes NE of Colorado Springs, as of Thursday afternoon.
Colorado Springs, state’s second-largest city, has also put more than 2,000 people on evacuation notices.
The vast destruction wreaked by the Black Forest Fire already surpasses last year’s Waldo Canyon fire, which destroyed 347 homes and killed two people.
And the worst may yet to come, as this fire seems capable of destroying at least 1,000 homes.
Black Forest Strikes Back: “Load your family, and pets and GO NOW”
An aerial view of a destroyed house and vehicles in the aftermath of the Black Forest Fire in Black Forest, Colorado June 13, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Rick Wilking
“All we can do is fight,” said Gov. Hickenlooper after visiting residents who had been rehoused in a high school.
“We’re not confident that if the winds changed and pushed the fire to any one of our boundaries that it could be held,” said El Paso County Sheriff Maketa. “Load your family, and pets and GO NOW.”
Drought Disaster Areas
Meantime, six Colorado counties were declared drought disaster areas by the USDA on Wednesday.
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warning are currently in effect for portions of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California and Hawaii.
-oOo-
Other Global Disasters/ Significant Events
West Virginia Gov. Tomblin has declared a state of emergency in Roane County following the damage caused by severe thunderstorms and flash flooding in the area.
Fire Earth 
Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. I think it's in my basement... let me go upstairs and check. said
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