Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Massive wildfires continue to char western USA


LOVELAND, Colo. (AP) – Firefighters faced dangerous conditions across much of the Rocky Mountain region Monday, as hot, dry weather and expected gusty winds threatened to fuel a wildfire that has charred nearly 91 square miles in northern Colorado. 
Authorities said three more homes may have burned in the fire near Fort Collins. The blaze started June 9 and already has destroyed at least 181 homes — the most in the state's history.
Crews continue to cut and dig lines around the flames, but containment has stayed at 45 percent since Saturday.
Temperatures in the 90s and wind gusts of up to 50 mph were expected Monday, a day after strong winds helped spread the fire and prompted more evacuation orders.
Other wildfires were burning in warm, arid weather from Wyoming to Arizona to Southern California, where a blaze that prompted the evacuation of at least 150 homes was 30 percent contained Monday.
Fire officials warned that the 907-acre fire in eastern San Diego County still threatens 200 houses, sheds and other buildings. The fire has destroyed at least one home.

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