A wildfire in northern Colorado has now burned about 90 square miles, fanned by winds that gusted up to 50 miles an hour yesterday.
Two new waves of evacuation notices went out yesterday as flames consumed another 1,000 acres in the mountain forests west of Fort Collins.
The fire has destroyed more than 180 homes, and local authorities have dispatched roving patrols to combat looting.
Despite the strong winds, fire officials say crews have been able to maintain most existing fire lines. About 1,750 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is about 45% contained.
Another fire broke out yesterday west of Colorado Springs, prompting the evacuation of homes, cabins, a Boy Scout camp and a recreation area near a reservoir that provides water to the Denver area. Fire officials say the 450-acre fire has the potential to grow much more in the dry, windy conditions.
The fire danger is high across much of the Rocky Mountain region and fires are burning in several states. (AP)
