MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Superior town evacuated due to deadly Colorado wildfires driven by winds over 100 mph

Around 28,000 customers in the Denver Metro area are facing a loss of power due to seven wildfires that broke out and ripped through the Boulder area

 A town had to evacuate entirely as wildfires in Colorado spread rapidly across communities in Boulder County. The Boulder County sheriff’s office said they had received “Multiple reports of power lines down, transformers blowing, etc.” “This has caused several small grass fires from the downed/sparking lines,” the statement added. At least 28,000 customers in the Denver Metro area are facing a loss of power due to the fires. 21,000 of the customers are in Boulder County.

On Thursday, December 30, as many as seven wildfires broke out and ripped through the Boulder area. The fire was driven by strong winds gusting over 100 mph. While the town of Superior had to be evacuated, a few neighborhoods in Boulder in Louisville have done the same.

READ MORE

Some US states highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change are least prepared to tackle it, warns study

Did 2020 shatter records for most number of disasters in US? Weather calamities caused $95 billion in damages

In a tweet, The National Weather Service out of Denver/Boulder tweeted wrote, "Extraordinary gust to **105 mph** at the intersection of Hwy 93/Hwy 72, reported at 9:51 AM. Windy much? Stay safe out there everyone!" In another tweet, it wrote, "Life threating situation in Superior and Louisville areas! Fast moving fires are in the area. Gather more information and please be prepared to evacuate immediately."

Governor Jared Polis also tweeted a statement that says "Governor Polis Declares State of Emergency Due to Boulder County Grass Fires".

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management said on Facebook that they are getting reports of individuals in Louisville being unable to evacuate because they are without power and cannot get their vehicles out of their garages. "We are getting reports that some individuals in Louisville can’t evacuate because they are without power and can’t get their vehicles out of their garages. All garages have a red handle INSIDE that allows you to manually open your garage. Pull the handle to open your garage door," it wrote on Facebook, addressing the issue.

The office also informed that Boulder County Fairgrounds animal evacuation is underway. "Boulder County Fairgrounds animal evacuation site is FULL from #MarshallFire and #MiddleForkFire. Please bring animals to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, (15200 W 6th Ave Frontage Rd, Golden)," it wrote on Facebook.

Additionally, a Boulder County Wildfire Fund has now been set up by the Community Foundation of Boulder County "for people wanting to donate in relation to the #MarshallFire and #MiddleForkFire to respond to immediate and long-term needs as they emerge." A statement on the Community Foundation of Boulder County webite reads, "On December 30th, 2021 multiple fires broke out across Boulder County. At this time 35,000 have been evacuated and it is clear hundreds of homes and businesses will be impacted. Community Foundation Boulder County, in partnership with Government and nonprofit organizations will work to support the needs of the community as they emerge. Your support, as always, is greatly appreciated."