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350 Homes Destroyed in Colorado Wildfire

Mayor of Colorado Springs offers initial estimate

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 28, 2012 6:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – Authorities in Colorado Springs have offered their first assessment of damage from the still-raging Waldo Canyon fire, and it's not a happy one: The mayor says about 350 homes have been destroyed, making it the most destructive fire in state history, reports AP. Other developments:

  • The fire is about 10% contained and may not be fully under control until mid-July, according to CNN.
  • 18,000 acres have been destroyed so far, and 36,000 people have evacuated.
  • The cost of fighting the fire is already at $3.2 million.
  • Cause: It's still unknown, but the FBI is investigating reports of arson.
  • Quote: "We have the first break in the weather since we've been out here," a city official said today. "We are learning as we fight this fire some of its tricks. And one of its tricks is to run down these hills that way. You can fool us once, maybe, but not twice."

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs.
This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs.   (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
Only ashes remain of some houses as a result of the Waldo Canyon fire.
Only ashes remain of some houses as a result of the Waldo Canyon fire.   (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
An aerial photo of damage near Colorado Springs.
An aerial photo of damage near Colorado Springs.   (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
Helicopters make water drops on the Waldo Canyon fire.
Helicopters make water drops on the Waldo Canyon fire.   (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Mark Reis)
An aerial view shows that some homes survived.
An aerial view shows that some homes survived.   (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
Part of the Waldo Canyon fire.
Part of the Waldo Canyon fire.   (Getty Images)
This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area.
This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area.   (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
BrushMan
Jun 29, 2012 12:00 PM CDT
My wife met a woman at Kohl's here in Co.Spgs. with a shopping cart full of clothes. She told my wife that her family escaped with only what was on their back. A down-slope wind (typical here at sunset) forced flames down Queen's Canyon, which had not been slurried. The million dollar neighborhood up towards the ridge was bombarded with slurry for two days; it survived unscathed (except for smoke.)
TheVEG
Jun 28, 2012 11:23 PM CDT
1 home lost is bad enough....but 350...DAMN!!!
USLady
Jun 28, 2012 9:04 PM CDT
who knows? they could be being set on purpose! maybe Obama and his administration are trying to make  their lives harder,they are good at this! Americans are sick of them! God help and bless and protect the people of Colorado.Very sad what has happened there.
 

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