TheJournal.ie uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click here to find out more »
Dublin: 11 °C Tuesday 21 May, 2013

Houses reduced to ash in Colorado after fierce wildfires

At least 346 homes were destroyed in this week’s blaze.

A water dropping helicopter makes a run over a plume of smoke rises form the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs.
A water dropping helicopter makes a run over a plume of smoke rises form the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs.
Image: Chris Carlson/AP/Press Association Images

COLORADO SPRINGS OFFICIALS have confirmed that hundreds of homes in the area were destroyed – some reduced to mere ash – by raging wildfires this week.

Authorities have started to distribute lists to homeowners to advise whether their properties were among those affected or ruined. One family, the Largents, were told of the total destruction of their house on their daughter’s first birthday.

“Our minds just started sifting through all the memories of that house that we lost – that can’t be replaced,” said Rebekah Largent after she heard the news.

At least 346 homes were destroyed in the worst fire to ever hit the area. One person was killed.

US President Barack Obama is due in Colorado today to assess the fire-stricken neighbourhoods. He has declared the situation a disaster and released federal funds for aid.

Aerial photos taken yesterday show the devastation caused by the blaze with only some houses remaining untouched:

Houses reduced to ash in Colorado after fierce wildfires
1 / 11
  • Western Wildfires

    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)
  • Western Wildfires

    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)
  • Western Wildfires

    This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)
  • Western Wildfires

    A slurry bomber drops fire retardant on the Waldo Canyon Fire Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)
  • Western Wildfires

    (AP Photo/The Salt Lake Tribune, Paul Fraughton)
  • Western Wildfires

    At least five wildfires burned across Utah on Wednesday. (AP Photo/The Salt Lake Tribune, Paul Fraughton)
  • Western Wildfires

    (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
  • Western Wildfires

    (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
  • Western Wildfires

    (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
  • Western Wildfires

    An unidentifed woman looks on as smoke envelopes ridges as a wildfire rolls through housing subdivisions in the mountains north and west of Colorado Springs on Wednesday. The fire forced the evacuation of more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
  • Western Wildfires

    In this aerial photo, homes untouched by the Waldo Canyon fire stand next to the charred lots where neighbouring homes were burned to the ground in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

Weather conditions improved yesterday and some evacuation orders were lifted this morning.

Other wildfires continue to burn elsewhere in Western America, including a 72-square-mile blaze in central Utah that has destroyed at least 56 structures.

-Additional reporting by AP

Dramatic photos of canyon wildfires as Colorado residents flee flames

Read next:

Add New Comment