- The Marshall Fire quickly spread into Boulder and Denver suburbs and destroyed hundreds of homes.
- The entire population of Louisville and Superior was evacuated.
- One officer sustained minor injuries during the firefight.
A fast-moving wildfire broke out in Boulder and Denver and destroyed hundreds of homes, forcing the evacuations of tens and thousands of people Thursday.
After being started at 11:11 a.m. local, the Mitchell Fire erupted to 1,600 acres. According to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, the fire then spread east into densely populated suburbs and destroyed at least 370 homes in Sagamore subdivision in Louisville and 210 in Old Town Superior.
It also destroyed the Target shopping complex in Target and the Superior Element hotel.
The entire population of Louisville (population 21,000) and Superior (13,000) were evacuated. Patients were also evacuated from Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville and taken to other hospitals. Later in the afternoon evacuations expanded into the Broomfield neighborhood.
Here is a map showing the latest evacuation zonesPlease click here
Pelle said that although only one injury has been reported to an officer, this could change.
“I’d love to emphasize that due the magnitude of the fire, the intensity, and its presence in such densely populated areas, we wouldn’t be surprised if injuries or deaths occur,” Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said at a Thursday afternoon press conference.
The Mitchell Fire was being driven by wind gusts upto 90 mph and extremely dry conditions. These winds knocked down power lines, which are believed to have ignited the fire.
Fire crews claimed that they didn’t think they’d be able start to contain the fire until winds die down. Pelle stated that firefighters and officers had to evacuate after being overwhelmed by the flames.
Colorado Gov. Jim Polis stated, “This fire is something you can’t fight against.” Jim Polis stated. “This fire isn’t so much a matter of resources. This fire is a force in nature.
Polis declared an emergency and the National Guard were activated to help channel resources to fight the fire.
This is breaking news. Keep checking back for more updates Visit the Boulder County Emergency PageFor the most recent fire updates.
Source: Weather.com
