Violent wildfires, fanned by winds of more than 100 miles per hour, have destroyed an estimated 600 homes in the area and displaced tens of thousands of homes. Hundreds of hectares of land were set ablaze, and firefighting planes had to be stopped due to strong winds.
The fires also reached and threatened Denver’s suburbs. A hotel, shopping mall and apartment complex in Superior were on fire. This place is located approximately 15 miles from downtown Denver. So far, no deaths have been reported, but the National Weather Service has spoken of a “life-threatening” situation due to the violent fires. Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency.
But authorities have now been able to cancel all evacuation orders due to fires near Denver, thanks to an eye-catching white “gift of God” that flutters from the sky. The small white layer of snow that appears on the burnt and destroyed houses produces a very strange picture.
In the meantime, people with respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors and close windows and doors, as snow and wind prevent smoke from burning and glowing vegetation near the ground.
Wildfires are more common in Colorado, but they are unusual this time of year. Fires may be caused by fallen power poles.
