Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Colorado Wildfire Photos: The Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado SpringsPlog Photo Blog

 

The Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs

 

A three-day-old wildfire erupted with catastrophic fury Tuesday, ripping across the foothills neighborhoods of Colorado Springs, devouring an untold number of homes and sending tens of thousands fleeing to safety in what was shaping up as one of the biggest disasters in state history. “This is a firestorm of epic proportions,” said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Richard Brown. The Waldo Canyon fire in El Paso County — which had been growing in the forested hills on the city’s west side — blew into an inferno late in the afternoon, raging over a ridge toward densely populated neighborhoods. An apocalyptic plume of smoke covered Colorado’s second-largest city as thousands of people forced to evacuate clogged Interstate 25 at rush hour trying to get to their homes or to get out of the way. By nightfall, roughly 32,000 people left their homes, chased out by the flames.

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire burns an entire neighborhood in near the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colo. Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colo. Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post) #

Waldo Fire

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A neighborhood west of the intersections of Vindicator Drive, Centennial Blvd and Flying W Ranch Road burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire took a turn for the worse as the fire exploded and made a run northward taking homes and thousands of acres with today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Firefighters get ready to head into neighborhoods which were caught by the Waldo Canyon Fire after it swept down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in its path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller) #

Waldo Fire

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People flee the Waldo Canyon Fire with little time to spare as the fire burns through neighborhoods west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The blaze left a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in it's path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller) #

Waldo Fire

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The skies are orange as flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire race through a neighborhood in west Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in its path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire burns an entire neighborhood in near the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colo. Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire burns as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire burns an entire neighborhood in near the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colo. Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire burns homes near Colorado Springs, Colo. Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler) #

Waldo Fire

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A plume of smoke is seen over Interstate 25 as the Waldo Canyon wildfire moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler) #

Waldo Fire

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Flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire move quickly move through the western side Colorado Springs, Colo. causing several structures and homes to burn on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The fire made a massive run late in the day leaving a trail of destruction, and burning homes and buildings in it's path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller) #

Waldo Fire

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Homes are destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. A stubborn and towering wildfire jumped firefighters' perimeter lines in the hills overlooking Colorado Springs, forcing frantic mandatory evacuation notices for more than 9,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette,Jerilee Bennett) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon Fire, burns out of control, threatening homes Tuesday June, 26, 2012. (AP Photo/RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post) #

Waldo Fire

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A helicopter is dwarfed by the flames of the Waldo Canyon Fire as it races down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction and burning homes and buildings in it's path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller) #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Aerials Waldo

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Aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado between June 24, 2012 and June 27, 2012 show the destructive path of the fire. Photo by John Wark, www.johnwark.com #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire made a run into Colorado Springs Tuesday night, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire made a run into Colorado Springs Tuesday night, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire made a run into Colorado Springs Tuesday night, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire made a run into Colorado Springs Tuesday night, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire jumped into Colorado Springs Tuesday evening. Residents of the Lower Mountain Shadows subdivision evacuated the neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs Tuesday evening, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire jumped into Colorado Springs Tuesday evening. Residents of the Lower Mountain Shadows subdivision evacuated the neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs Tuesday evening, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire burns out of control, Tuesday June 26, 2012, in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire burns out of control, Tuesday June 26, 2012, in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Houses are engulfed by flames in northwest Colorado Springs neighborhoods after the Waldo Canyon Fire exploded Tuesday afternoon, June 26, 2012. Steve Nehf, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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An entire neighborhood burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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An entire neighborhood burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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An entire neighborhood burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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An entire neighborhood burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire burns out of control, Tuesday June 26, 2012, in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire burns out of control, Tuesday June 26, 2012, in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Authorities blocked Garden of the Gods Road at North 30th Street Tuesday evening. Residents of the Lower Mountain Shadows subdivision evacuated the neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs Tuesday evening, June 26, 2012. Flames from the Waldo Canyon fire jumped into Colorado Springs forcing emergency evacuations of some neighborhoods. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire explodes today June 26th, 2012. A traffic jam of cars fleeing the city heads east on both sides of Woodmen Road. The road is closed to westbound traffic. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Steve Rosburg covered his mouth with his shirt as he waited for friends on Centennial Boulevard. Traffic was streaming south on Centennial Boulevard on both sides of the median. Residents of the Lower Mountain Shadows subdivision evacuated the neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs Tuesday evening, June 26, 2012. Flames from the Waldo Canyon fire spread into town Tuesday evening. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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What looks like a firestorm, the Waldo Canyon fire exploded today June 26th, 2012. The fire raced over 2 miles northward onto the Air Force Academy land. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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What looks like a firestorm, the Waldo Canyon fire exploded today June 26th, 2012. The fire raced over 2 miles northward onto the Air Force Academy land. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Colorado Springs Police officers direct traffic and secure the corner of Garden of Gods Rd. and Centennial Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Colorado Springs Police officers direct traffic and secure the corner of Garden of Gods Rd. and Centennial Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Colorado Springs Police officers direct traffic and secure the corner of Garden of Gods Rd. and Centennial Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Colorado Springs Police officers direct traffic and secure the corner of Garden of Gods Rd. and Centennial Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Tayor Salamon, 11, holds on to his dog as they pile in the back seat, Tuesday June 26, 2012, as his family rushes to leave their home in the path of Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Colorado Springs Police officers direct traffic and secure the corner of Garden of Gods Rd. and Centennial Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Fire fighters are heading to West of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Police officers direct traffic and secure the corner of Garden of Gods Rd. and Centennial Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire invades the Mountain Shadows neighborhood of Colorado Springs, Colorado Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/MCT) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire explodes today June 26th, 2012. A traffic jam of cars fleeing the city heading north on I-25 seems enveloped by the orange haze of smoke. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire explodes today June 26th, 2012. A traffic jam of cars fleeing the city heading north on I-25 seems enveloped by the orange haze of smoke. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Residents in the path of the Waldo Canyon Fire rush to get out, Tuesday June 26, 2012, in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire spread spot fires to the north as afternoon winds spread embers into the air Tuesday afternoon, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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A Colorado Springs Police Officer rushes to get residents out of their homes in the path of the Waldo Canyon Fire, Tuesday June 26, 2012, in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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More evacuations were ordered as the Waldo Canyon fire spread to the north when afternoon winds spread embers into the air Tuesday afternoon, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire continues to grow, Tuesday June 26, 2012, near Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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A helicopter flew towards the flames as the Waldo Canyon fire spread to the north as afternoon winds spread embers into the air Tuesday afternoon, June 26, 2012. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon wildfire continues to grow in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Teller County officials warned residents east of U.S. 24 and north of the El Paso/Teller County line to be prepared to leave. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Hyoung Chang) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon wildfire continues to grow in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Teller County officials warned residents east of U.S. 24 and north of the El Paso/Teller County line to be prepared to leave. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, RJ Sangosti) #

Waldo Fire

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A C-130 makes a drop on the Waldo Canyon wildfire northwest of Manitou Springs, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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Flames consume a tree along the north side of U.S. Highway 24 near the Waldo Canyon Trailhead between Cascade, Colo., and Manitou Springs, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock) #

Waldo Fire

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A helicopter drops water on the Waldo Canyon Fire along U.S. Highway 24 west between the Waldo Canyon Trailhead and Cascade, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon Fire moves into Queens Canyon on the northwest side of Colorado Springs, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon Fire burns on the north ridge above U.S. Highway 24 near Green Mountain Falls, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock) #

Waldo Fire

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Crews fill a C-130 Hercules with more fire retardant at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012, while another air tanker takes off in the background. Four air tankers were battling the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo. The tankers drop 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter mile long by 100 feet wide. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock) #

Waldo Fire

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A C-130 Hercules lands at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., for more fire retardant Tuesday, June 26, 2012, while fighting the Waldo Canyon Fire in the background. Four air tankers were battling the fire west of Colorado Springs, Colo. The tankers drop 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter mile long by 100 feet wide. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock) #

Waldo Fire

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Ryan Kent, 6, left, and Caden Manes, 8, watch as officials respond to the Waldo Canyon wildfire Tuesday, June 26, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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Caden Manes, 8 watches as the Waldo Canyon wildfire explodes Tuesday, June 26, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon wildfire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon wildfire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson) #

Waldo Fire

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A C-130 makes a drop on the Waldo Canyon wildfire in Colorado Springs, Colo., Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Colorado has endured nearly a week of 100-plus-degree days and low humidity, sapping moisture from timber and grass, creating a devastating formula for volatile wildfires across the state and punishing conditions for firefighters. (The Denver Post, Hyoung Chang) #

Waldo Fire

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FIrefighters from Colorado Springs Utilities watch the approaching fire. The Waldo Canyon fire explodes today June 26th, 2012 The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire continues to grow, Tuesday June 26, 2012, near the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Spring. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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El Paso County Sheriff's Department wild land fire fighters George Bennett, right, and Connor Barkley stand watch near Cascade, Colorado, as the Waldo Canyon fire burns Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (Christian Murdock/Colorado Springs Gazette/MCT) #

Waldo Fire

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A helicopter is heading to the fire site of the Waldo Canyon Fire on Tuesday, June 26. Teller County officials warned residents east of U.S. 24 and north o the El Paso/Teller County line to be prepared to leave. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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Waldo Canyon Fire continues to grow, Tuesday June 26, 2012, near Colorado Spring. An air tanker battles the fire from the air. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon Fire continues to grow in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Teller County officials warned residents east of U.S. 24 and north o the El Paso/Teller County line to be prepared to leave. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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The Waldo Canyon Fire continues to grow in Colorado Springs, Colo, Tuesday, June 26. Teller County officials warned residents east of U.S. 24 and north o the El Paso/Teller County line to be prepared to leave. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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People turned out at the top of Mesa Drive near Garden of the Gods to watch the C-130 aircraft and other planes make slurry drops on the ridge in the backround today June 26th, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th,2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

Waldo Fire

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A slurry bomber makes a drop on the Waldo Canyon fire today June 26th, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire continues to burn northwest of Manitou Springs, Colorado today June 26th, 2012. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post #

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A flare-up from the Waldo Canyon fire burns across a canyon from homes in the Cedar Heights neighborhood west of Colorado Springs, Colorado Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/MCT) #

Waldo Fire

 

Still burning near Colorado Springs, the Waldo Canyon fire is now the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, claiming 346 homes and two lives. Residents of affected neighborhoods, who were briefly allowed to return and survey the damage, described "unreal" scenes where houses that burned down to their foundations stood side-by-side with homes that appeared completely untouched. While the Waldo Canyon fire is now 55 percent contained, it is only one of dozens of fires still blazing across the west.

Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire, seen from the air in a neighborhood of Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 30, 2012. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire, seen from the air in a neighborhood of Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 30, 2012. The massive fire, which has eased with the help of cooler temperatures and lighter winds, has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

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A plume of smoke rises from the Waldo Canyon wildfire near Colorado Springs, on June 26, 2012. (Reuters/John Wark) #

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Residents Lindsay Hetzel and Nathan Birdseye sit on a cliff overlooking the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, on June 30, 2012. Crews battling a deadly Colorado wildfire ranked the most destructive in state history have made enough headway to allow most evacuees home, but concerns remain about rogue bears and burglaries in vacant houses, officials said. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

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Plumes of smoke from the Waldo Canyon fire rises above trees in Colorado Springs, on June 30, 2012. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

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Members of Bighorn 209, a hand crew from the Crow Agency in Montana check for hot spots on the Waldo Canyon Fire west of Colorado Springs, on June 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) #

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A firefighting helicopter flies over homes while battling the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, on June 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski) #

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Plumes of smoke from the Waldo Canyon fire rise in front of a sunset in Colorado Springs, on July 1, 2012. The fire has scorched some 18,000 acres, burned 346 homes and devastated communities around Colorado Springs, the state's second-largest city, since it began eight days earlier. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

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Smoke billows at sunrise from part of the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

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An ominous cloud of smoke from the Waldo Canyon fire rises from the south behind the Air Force Academy's Cadet Chapel as cadets head for a briefing on evacuation procedures in Colorado Springs, in this June 27, 2012 photograph. The Academy evacuated more than 600 families and 110 dormitory residents from the base the evening of June 27. (Reuters/Carol Lawrence/U.S. Air Force) #

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Rich Harvey, the Incident Commander of the National Incident Management Team, places his hand over a map of the Waldo Canyon fire during a news conference in Colorado Springs, on July 1, 2012. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

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A police roadblock in an evacuated neighborhood near the Waldo Canyon fire, on June 28, 2012 in Colorado Springs. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

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Smoke rises around Rampart Reservoir from the Waldo Canyon wildfire in this aerial photograph taken on June 27, 2012. (Reuters/John Wark) #

13

A scorched tree in a burned-out area near homes in the Cedar Heights neighborhood which was evacuated due to the Waldo Canyon fire on June 29, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

14

Scorched hillsides and hundreds of damaged or destroyed homes from the Waldo Canyon fire, seen from the air (Pike's Peak in the background) above Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

15

Fire evacuees Jim and Lynn Becka react after learning their home was not one of the hundreds destroyed in the Waldo Canyon fire, on June 28, 2012 at a news conference in Colorado Springs. The couple, who had already lost one home due to financial hardship were relieved to learn they had not lost a second home. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images) #

16

Policemen stand guard near residents who were temporarily allowed to visit their homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood of Colorado Springs, on July 1, 2012. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

17

Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, on June 30, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

18

A completely destroyed home, surrounded by several intact houses in the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

19

Dozens of homes in a Colorado Springs neighborhood, reduced to ashes in the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

20

Homes and cars destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire, seen from the air above Colorado Springs, on June 30, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

21

The remains of a burned structure in the Mountain Shadow neighborhood, devastated by raging wildfires, on June 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #

22

An aerial view of the Flying W Ranch, destroyed in the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, on June 27, 2012. The Flying W Ranch was a working mountain cattle ranch and popular tourist attraction. The owners have committed to rebuilding. (Reuters/John Wark) #

23

A helicopter flies over part of the Waldo Canyon fire, in Colorado Springs on June 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller) #

24

Destroyed homes sit beside a home left untouched by fire in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

25

Some of the hundreds of destroyed homes in the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

26

Homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire, seen from the air above Colorado Springs, on June 30, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

27

President Barack Obama talks with firefighters as he tours the Mountain Shadow neighborhood devastated by a wildfire in Colorado Springs, on June 29, 2012. After declaring a "major disaster" in the state early Friday and promising federal aid, President Obama got a firsthand view of the wildfires and their toll on residential communities. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) #

28

Two of the hundreds of destroyed homes, in the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

29

An aerial photo shows the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire at a neighborhood in Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

30

A partially destroyed house still smolders in Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

31

Destroyed homes sit beside homes left untouched by fire in a neighborhood affected by the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) #

32

Frank Baker visits the remains of his brother's home which was burned to the ground in the High Park Fire, June 30, 2012 in Bellvue, Colorado west of Fort Collins. The inferno burned more than 87,000 acres and left one person dead and destroyed 259 homes. The High Park Fire, which started June 9 from a lightning spark, is the second-largest and second-most destructive fire in Colorado state history. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images) #

33

One of the hundreds of totally destroyed homes in the Waldo Canyon fire, seen from the sky above Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2012. (Reuters/Rick Wilking) #

34

A church, which survived the Waldo Canyon Fire, is backdropped by a charred hillside in Colorado Springs, on June 30, 2012. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

35

Neighbors, who evacuated their homes from the encroaching Waldo Canyon fire, embrace after returning to their homes in Colorado Springs,on July 1, 2012. Residents began returning to charred areas of Colorado Springs on Sunday after the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history forced tens of thousands of people from their homes and left the landscape a blackened wasteland. The neighbors wished to stay unidentified due to "jealous spouses," they said. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

36

A helicopter hovers over a hilltop after dropping water to combat the Waldo Canyon fire, on July 1, 2012. (Reuters/Adrees Latif)

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