Colorado authorities have confirmed two deaths as a result of the massive, uncontrolled Colorado wildfires.
The blaze near Colorado Springs is already the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history. At least 360 homes have been destroyed northeast of the city and the fire is considered only 5 percent contained.
The heavy losses in this fire and last year’s Waldo Canyon fire which burned 347 homes are credited to rapid population growth in areas with a track record of fire risk.
Over 38,000 people have been forced to evacuate from the Colorado Springs area including 1,000 homes inside the city limits, marking the first time city residents have been ordered to leave.
Another 2,000 homeowners were told to prepare for evacuation.
El Paso County is now Colorado’s largest county with double-digit growth over the last decade.