A sprawling Colorado wildfire near Denver has forced thousands to flee and destroyed hundreds of structures as winds push flames across counties.
Thousands across the American West face evacuations and mounting stress as ongoing wildfires fueled by dry conditions and a lack of winter snow threaten homes and lives. More than 9,000 personnel are fighting 50+ large fires nationwide, with several communities moving to mandatory evacuations amid shifting winds.
The Aspen Acres Fire has expanded overnight to about 105 square miles (272 square kilometers) with no containment. Colorado City and nearby towns have been evacuated. About 50 National Guard soldiers are assisting road checkpoints and water-scooping operations. Firefighters are racing to contain multiple blazes across the West amid ongoing drought and dry conditions.