DENVER — Thousands of residents in two communities near Denver were ordered to evacuate Thursday because of a wind-fueled wildfire that engulfed parts of …
DENVER — Thousands of residents in two communities near Denver were ordered to evacuate Thursday because of a wind-fueled wildfire that engulfed parts of the area in smoky, orangish skies. The city of Louisville, which has a population of about 21,000, was ordered to evacuate after residents in Superior, which has 13,000 residents, were told to leave. The neighboring towns are roughly 20 miles northwest of Denver. The blaze was one of several that started in the area Thursday, at least some sparked by downed power lines, as winds gusted up to 105 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Videos taken by residents showed buildings on fire, though officials had yet to provide any information. They were scheduled to speak at a news briefing Thursday evening. Six people who were injured in the fires were being treated at UCHealth Broomfield Hospital, spokesperson Kelli Christensen said. A nearby portion of U.S. Highway 36 also was shut down.
