Winds Fan Fires in Colorado; Homes Destroyed

Five air tankers resumed an all-out attack on a 4,500-acre wildfire in the foothills Tuesday evening while 430 firefighters used picks, axes and shovels to dig firebreaks.

The wind-whipped Hi Meadow Fire raced through tinder-dry pine trees and brush for a second day Tuesday about 35 miles southwest of Denver. People forced from their homes watched from a nearby ridge.

After an inspection from the air Tuesday evening, officials said 29 houses scattered throughout several subdivisions had been destroyed.

The fire grew by at least 1,000 acres Tuesday afternoon as flames jumped from tree to tree, causing the fire to move ahead of firefighters and then started burning back on itself.

Three firefighters suffered minor burns and their truck was severely damaged Tuesday when the fire advanced faster than expected, said Lynn Barclay of the incident management team.

About 90 miles north of that fire, high winds also fanned a 3,500-acre blaze, which started from a campfire on Monday. About 200 firefighters worked on that fire, which was also burning in dry brush and trees.

The larger fire near Denver is believed to have been sparked by lightning.