Wildfires rage in Colorado
Reuters
2012-06-25
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Eight fast-growing wildfires in Colorado are burning out of control.
One of these is threatening a popular summer campground beneath Pikes Peak, whose vistas helped inspire the patriotic tune "America the Beautiful".
The blaze in the Pike National Forest, known as the Waldo Canyon Fire, is only two miles from the base of the 14,115 foot peak - billed as the most visited mountain in North America.
Colorado governor John Hickenlooper said wildfires can be extremely difficult to beat.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) COLORADO GOVERNOR JOHN HICKENLOOPER SAYING:
"The problem can be that the fire can smoulder in the trunk of a tree for a day, two days, up to five or six days and then with a strong wind, burst into flames. So it's challenging."
The Waldo Canyon Fire has consumed about 2,500 acres since Saturday and triggered evacuation orders for 11,000 people from Colorado Springs and nearby towns.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
One of these is threatening a popular summer campground beneath Pikes Peak, whose vistas helped inspire the patriotic tune "America the Beautiful".
The blaze in the Pike National Forest, known as the Waldo Canyon Fire, is only two miles from the base of the 14,115 foot peak - billed as the most visited mountain in North America.
Colorado governor John Hickenlooper said wildfires can be extremely difficult to beat.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) COLORADO GOVERNOR JOHN HICKENLOOPER SAYING:
"The problem can be that the fire can smoulder in the trunk of a tree for a day, two days, up to five or six days and then with a strong wind, burst into flames. So it's challenging."
The Waldo Canyon Fire has consumed about 2,500 acres since Saturday and triggered evacuation orders for 11,000 people from Colorado Springs and nearby towns.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
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