Authorities in Colorado reported the discovery of human remains in a house that was burned by a wildfire, amidst nearly 100 large blazes raging across the western U.S. The body was found in one of up to five homes that were consumed by a fire near Lyons, Colorado. The fire, which started on Tuesday afternoon, had already scorched about two square miles by Wednesday morning and was listed as zero percent contained. At least 150 personnel were engaged in battling the blaze.
Colorado's Front Range, a heavily populated area along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, was grappling with several large fires. A fire near Conifer, on the outskirts of the Denver metro area, prompted the evacuation of approximately 575 homes from various subdivisions. Jefferson County officials confirmed that the fire was still uncontained as of Tuesday night.
Weather conditions were expected to exacerbate the fire danger, with hot temperatures and gusty winds forecasted across the Front Range. However, lighter winds in the coming days could aid firefighting efforts. Nationally, nearly 28,000 firefighters were combating 95 large fires, with close to 7,000 square miles already burned this year, surpassing the 10-year average.
In Northern California, the Park Fire had engulfed 609 square miles, destroying hundreds of structures and prompting evacuations. The fire was allegedly started by an individual pushing a burning car down a ravine in Chico. In Southern California, fires in the Sequoia National Forest led to evacuations in Kern and Tulare counties, with one blaze devastating the historic town of Havilah.
California's firefighting resources were stretched thin, prompting assistance from other states. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott sent over two dozen fire engines to aid in battling the Park Fire. Large fires were also raging in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, and elsewhere across the country.
