Fire Watch

Waldo Fire in Colorado claims one life, destroys 346 homes

Posted: Jun 29, 2012 7:12 PM by KOAA
Updated: Jun 29, 2012 8:04 PM

One person has died in the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history; the body was found in a home that burned in the fire.

The Waldo Fire has destroyed 346 homes in Colorado Springs, and more than 30,000 people have been forced to evacuate.

The fire has burned more than 16,000 acres and is only 15% contained.

More than 1,100 firefighters are battling the fire.

Fire officials characterize the growth potential as "extreme."

An estimated 20,000 homes and 160 businesses are dangerously close to the fire.

Beginning Saturday, eight military C-130 Air Force planes, each equipped with MAFFS firefighting systems, will be assisting with firefighting efforts throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. Officials say this is the first time since 2008 that all eight military aircraft have been activated at one time.

Photo above taken by Sandra Ensman and shared on the KOAA.com fire photo gallery.