United States: hundreds of homes destroyed by fires in Colorado

 

colorado fire

United States: hundreds of homes destroyed by fires in Colorado

Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighters try to control the flames.

Hundreds of homes were destroyed by fires in Colorado on Thursday. “About 370 homes in the Sagamore subdivision were destroyed.

 It is possible that 210 homes were destroyed in Old Town Superior, ”Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle told a news conference.

The city of Boulder, which has more than 100,000 inhabitants, is located about fifty kilometers from Denver, the capital of Colorado. 

This state is experiencing a historic drought which has greatly facilitated the spread of the flames. In Boulder County, hotels, shopping centers and more than 650 acres of greenery have gone up in smoke.

 Gusts of more than 160 km / h were observed in some places, complicating the efforts of the firefighters.

"I would like to emphasize the scale and intensity of this fire and its presence in such a densely populated area, we would not be surprised if there were injuries or deaths," the sheriff warned.

 Joe Pelle. According to the Colorado Sun newspaper, several people required treatment for burns, at least six of whom were hospitalized.

"It was so dark you couldn't see anything"

Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, including in Louisville, a city of 20,000 residents. "Leave Louisville or your life will be in danger", had insisted the meteorological services.

 "Strong winds quickly spread the flames and all the planes are grounded," tweeted Jared Polis, the governor of this state.

An autumn of record drought and heat

Like much of the American West, Colorado has struggled with exceptional drought for several years. With global warming, the intensity and frequency of droughts and heat waves is likely to increase further, continuing to create ideal conditions for forest or bush fires.

 In recent years, the American West has experienced unprecedented fires, especially in California and Oregon.

VIDEO - United States: Wild fires devour hundreds of homes in Colorado

This footage, recorded by Chris Gilly, shows flames burning in the distance near Boulder, on Thursday night. Credit: Chris Gilly via Storyful . watch here

fortnite