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:
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
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