Colorado wildfire destroys 360 homes, now most destructive in state history

The Black Forest fire raging northeast of Colorado Springs is now the most destructive in Colorado State history.

El Paso County Sheriffy Terry Maketa said at least 360 homes are complete losses and another 14 already damaged, pushing the damage past the record set by last year's Waldo Canyon fire which destroyed 347 homes.

The fire has now burned 15,000 acres.

Continuing difficult conditions kept firefighters from containing the blaze, with little prospect for containment anticipated on Thursday. Maketa said efforts were being concentrated on stopping the west and northwest movement, toward the communities of Colorado Springs, Woodmoor and Monument.

Crews are attempting to prevent the fire from crossing Highways 83 and 93.

The evacuation area continued to expand Thursday, as people are were asked to leave a total area of 84,000 acres. Maketa said 38,000 people have now been evacuated from 13,000 homes.