Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes.
UPDATE 12:30 PM EST
As the fires near containment, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said, “We may have our own New Year’s miracle on our hands if it holds up that there was no loss of life.” He added, “We know that many people had just minutes to evacuate, and if that was successfully pulled off by all the affected families, that is really quite the testimony to preparedness and emergency response.”
Final numbers for damage assessments are in progress and not expected to be completed until Saturday morning.
UPDATE 11:00 AM EST
In Superior, southwest Boulder County, and Louisville, Colorado, the Marshall Fire covered over 6,200 acres on Thursday.
As fires spread, around 35,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Early reports this morning indicate that there has been no loss of life and a missing person was recovered safe. Boulder County, Colorado, Sheriff Joe Pelle said, “We’re fully expecting this to be 500 or more homes that were lost” along with several businesses in the area.
President Joe Biden issued the emergency relief declaration and FEMA has already begun recovery efforts. Colorado Governor Jared Polis added that citizens will get help right away, “They won’t have to wait for the preliminary damage assessment for housing and small business assistance. So that will be forthcoming very soon, because of this disaster and the actions that the President took. And the president sends his regards to the people of Colorado and those who are directly impacted.”
Tens of thousands of people were evacuated, including people from the towns of Louisville and Superior. Some 370 homes were lost in Superior and 210 in the Old Town of Superior, according to Boulder County officials. A shopping complex and hotel were also destroyed.
Power outages are impacting area residents and, due to water treatment facilities also being out of power, the state has issued an order to boil water orders for those impacted. First responders and rescue officials are clearing areas for residents to return but urging caution as they check for remaining fires and downed power lines.
Snow has started to fall in the area, and they expect 3-6 inches by the end of the day.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the people of Colorado who have been evacuated, lost homes, and been affected by the wildfires.
- For safety of first responders who are clearing areas and assessing damage.
- For state and local officials directing first responders and supporting the residents of Colorado.
Sources: Boulder Office of Emergency Management
