COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The number of houses destroyed by a wildfire near Colorado Springs could grow to around 100, and authorities fear it's possible that some people who stayed behind might have died.
Authorities initially estimated that between 40 and 60 houses were destroyed in Black Forest, a heavily wooded residential area northeast of Colorado Springs, but they are still surveying the damage. El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said Wednesday he believes around 80 have been lost and he wouldn't be surprised if the figure reaches or tops 100.
Maketa said there are no reports of anyone missing in the fire, however he fears for those who chose to ignore evacuation orders and stay behind.
"One of my worst fears is that people took their chances and it may have cost them their life," he said.
Maketa said gusty winds expected later in the day could cause the fire to spread unpredictably.
