Forest fires spread fear in Colorado

An evacuation alert was issued for towns on the southern edge of Denver, Colorado, as the largest forest fire in the state's history continued to burn, filling the skies with thick smoke and destroying lumber and homes in its path.

Winds that had driven flames towards the city on Monday had moderated and shifted somewhat yesterday but officials were still fearful the blaze could reach the city's suburbs. About 30,000 people were being told to prepare for possible evacuation.

US Forest Service spokesman Ralph Swain said: "It's too dangerous to get in front of it. There are no crews at the head of the fire." The White House issued a statement last night saying it was ready to lend all resources to curb the fire.

Meanwhile, residents of Denver were looking nervously at skies filled with yellow smoke yesterday. A camp fire was blamed for sparking the fire.It had roared north-east towards the so-called "Mile High City" on Monday, scorching more than 77,000 acres, before being slowed by the change in wind direction.

A Forest Service spokeswoman said: "This fire is totally dominated by Mother Nature, all wind-driven, and because of the drought conditions it's that much more unpredictable."

This has been one of the worst openings to the fire season in the western states, mainly because of the parched conditions. Another large blaze, in the Glenwood Springs area of western Colorado earlier this week, destroyed 24 homes and forced thousands to flee.

For Denver's residents, the primary problem yesterday was the air. The entire city smelt like a camp fire and ash was falling on some southern suburbs, leaving many residents with stinging eyes and lung problems.

At its most intense, the fire came within five miles of the outer edge of Denver.