Wildfires continue across Western USA by Kirsty McCabe
Wildfires continue to rage across a number of western US states, charring acres of scrubland and forcing the evacuation of more than a thousand people. In the town of Ordway, south of Denver, winds of up to 50mph (80kph) fuelled the blaze, with all 1200 residents having to leave their homes.
Wild fires are particularly prevalent during times of severe drought, and when the winds are especially strong. During the summer and autumn months fallen branches, leaves and other material can dry out and become highly flammable. Rising humidity and lighter winds over the past day helped firefighters battling the blaze, but the fires are still not 100% contained.
A second fire in the mountains of western Colorado is beginning to be controlled, allowing residents to return to their homes yesterday. Over the last 24 hours snow has been pushing into western states, helping ease the flames, with some drier and brighter weather expected over the weekend.
