Colorado wildfire threatening ‘numerous homes’

Colorado wildfire threatening ‘numerous homes’

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Authorities say a 40-acre wildfire burning in gusty winds and warm weather in northern Colorado was threatening homes near Fort Collins and has caused about 50 people to leave the area.

Smoke from the fire was visible 60 miles away in the north Denver suburbs today. Fire spokesman Capt. Patrick Love says the blaze was burning just outside Lory State Park west of Fort Collins.

The fire comes as much of the state is dealing with drought conditions after a relatively dry winter and a deadly wildfire season last year.

Temperatures reached into the 70s along Colorado’s Front Range but cooler weather was expected Saturday.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s office says one structure has been affected by the fire, but officials don’t know the extent of the damage or whether the structure was a house.