Massive blaze jumps fire line in Colorado

[marmar]

A fast-moving wildfire near Colorado Springs forced as many as 32,000 residents to be evacuated on Tuesday, as the blaze—fueled by 65 mph winds—jumped a perimeter set by firefighters trying desperately to contain it.

The Waldo Canyon fire—which was first spotted Saturday near Pikes Peak—doubled in size overnight to more than 24 square miles, according to the Associated Press.

The blaze has destroyed an unknown number of homes, caused roads to be closed and shut down part of the U.S. Air Force Academy. About 2,100 residents of the academy's campus were told to evacuate on Tuesday.

No deaths or injuries have been reported. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/colorado-wildfires-evacuations-124631601.html

[Voice for Peace]

1. video of the fire here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/101737170

[malaise]

2. The absence of snow in that weak winter

cannot have helped. I remember discussions here about the implications of that very warm winter.

[StickManThePan]

3. It's pretty scary....

I live on the southwest side of Colorado Springs! All packed and ready, just in case, hoping for the best. It's really disheartening to see parts of my hometown go up in flames. We hope today is a much better day. It's really great to see so much outpouring support from all over the country though.

[K8-EEE]

4. OH NO STICKMAN!

Will be thinking of you -- fire fire stay away from stickman!! How scary.