People's Republic of Boulder - This will cost Gore votes
(the smoke is terrible right here!)
Monday September 18 7:12 PM ET
Wildfire Near Boulder, Colorado, Out of Control
Reuters Photo
BOULDER, Colo. (Reuters) - Flames from an out-of-control wildfire west of Boulder, Colorado, jumped a major road and reservoir overnight, scorching 1,100 acres pine forest and threatening about 200 houses, fire officials said on Monday.
``Right now we have zero percent containment,'' said George Broyles, spokesman for the interagency fire center.
Gov. Bill Owens was scheduled to visit the area on Monday.
Although no buildings have been damaged in the Walker Ranch/Eldorado Canyon fire about 10 miles southwest of Boulder, about 200 homes and 350 other structures were threatened and authorities have asked residents to voluntarily evacuate homes.
Lt. Joe Gang of the Boulder County sheriff's office said the fire was detected on Friday and police suspect it was started by human activity.
More than 450 firefighters from federal, state and local crews battled the blaze. Broyles said hot dry winds whipped up flames through the narrow mountain canyons over the weekend, hampering firefighting efforts in the rugged terrain.
Cooler temperatures and scattered rain showers forecast for Monday could slightly aid firefighting efforts, but only if winds remain calm, Broyles said.
``Our biggest concern is to make significant progress before the afternoon winds kick up again,'' he said.
dailynews.yahoo.com |
