Multiple communities in Colorado evacuated due to wildfire driven by wind gusts

Picture Courtesy: CNN

The wildfires just outside of Denver, Colorado have resulted in the destruction of several homes, a hotel, and a shopping center. Thousands of people were evacuated outside Denver, officials said Thursday evening.

According to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, only one injury has been reported yet, but more are expected. The blaze started on Thursday at least some sparked by downed power lines, as winds gusted up to 105 mph (169 kph), according to the National Weather Service.

The city of Louisville and Superior were evacuated. Both the towns are approximately 20 miles north of Denver. Around 6 people who were injured earlier in the fire are being treated at the UCHealth Broomfield Hospital. A nearby portion of U.S. Highway 36 also was shut down because of fire.

The visibility in the area has decreased drastically with dark skies and dirt blowing in swirls across the sidewalk. The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management tweeted to Louisville residents, "If you're in the area, please act quickly,"

Gov. Jared Polis declared the state of emergency after the situation worsened enabling the state to access disaster emergency funds. "Prayers for thousands of families evacuating from the fires in Superior and Boulder County," he tweeted.