"Massive Wind-Stoked Wildfires Rage Through Colorado Forests"

"A trio of wind-driven wildfires roared unchecked across 76,000 acres of national forest in southwest Colorado on Monday and firefighters held the line against flames threatening the mountain town of South Fork."



"Crews have been hampered in battling the West Fork Complex fires - which consist of three separate blazes - by the steep mountainous terrain and winds in excess of 50 miles an hour (80 km/h) on some ridgelines.

South Fork, the town of 600 residents evacuated last week as flames crept to within a few miles of the community, is located 170 miles southwest of Denver.

The three lightning-sparked fires have scorched a 119-square-mile (308 square km) swath through the San Juan and Rio Grande national forests."

Keith Coffman reports for Reuters June 25, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Colorado Wildfire Doubles in Size as It Threatens Popular Summer Retreat" (AP)

Source: Reuters, 06/25/2013