More than 1,000 firefighters in Arizona and Colorado were fighting at least five major blazes that have consumed more than 55 square miles (142 square km) of ponderosa forest, brush and grass, and a new blaze erupted in Utah on Thursday. Firefighters protected neighborhoods by burning grass, shrubs and small brush to prevent the wildfire from advancing toward homes. Crews got a boost as wind pushed the blaze to an area scorched by a previous wildfire, which slowed its growth. "We're praying for the firefighters' safety," said Lynn Ray, the manager of an emergency shelter for evacuees at a school in Mayer, Arizona, where billowing gray-black smoke from the Gladiator Fire was clearly visible. U.S. Forest Service investigators say the crazy 56-year-old Weber, a mental health counselor at Colorado State University, tried to stamp out the fire Monday but then fled as the blaze spread. The man later reported starting the fire to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, officials said.
The Forest Service issued Weber a citation for causing a fire without an allowance. He faces a $300 fine. However, the authorities also plan to pursue restitution for the blaze.
Keep on posting updates about the wildfire on Google+ and share with us your stories.
No comments:
Post a Comment