Colorado wildfire destroys 8 homes, forces evacuations
BEULAH, Colo. — A wildfire that has forced hundreds of evacuations in southern Colorado destroyed at least eight homes, but firefighters took advantage of calmer weather Tuesday to get a handle on the blaze.
Three helicopters and three air tankers, along with about 400 firefighters on the ground, battled the wildfire near Beulah on Tuesday, preventing additional evacuations.
The fire, which has scorched about 8 square miles, was reported near the small town Monday and quickly spread in winds that gusted up to 50 mph. All people living in the town and the surrounding valley southwest of Pueblo — about 1,950 residents — were ultimately ordered to leave the area after the flames spread in various directions.
They have not yet been allowed to return home.