At a press conference this afternoon, authorities confirmed the first two deaths to be reported as a result of the massive Black Forest fire in Colorado. Police say they recovered two bodies today, and, based on information from witnesses, they believe the victims were caught by surprise as they were preparing to evacuate.
Update starting now @9NEWS #BlackForestFire pic.twitter.com/GQmePz4H0H
— Nelson Garcia (@9Storytellers) June 13, 2013
Witnesses spoke to the victims, one around 4:20 p.m., who said he/she was packing to flee #blackforestfire
— Dana ☀️ Coffield (@danacoffield) June 13, 2013
#BlackForestFire: Witnesses who spoke to victims says they were packing and trying to get out.
— KRDO NewsChannel 13 (@KRDONC13) June 13, 2013
Talked to friend at 5 p.m., person could hear popping and cracking, advised leaving right away. Area is heavily wooded. #blackforestfire
— Colorado Springs Indy (@csindependent) June 13, 2013
2 victims were packing, but did not get out in time. Criminal investigation now underway. Coroner on scene. #blackforestfire
— 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) June 13, 2013
#BlackForestFire "We were truly hoping we could get day to day without news like this" "Almost makes talking about the acreage irrelevant"
— Amanda Kost (@AmandaKost) June 13, 2013
The fire has already surpassed the scope of last summer’s Waldo Canyon fire, but officials did have encouraging news. Even though the fire has grown to more than 15,000 acres, its spread has slowed over the course of the day and firefighters have achieved 5 percent containment.
EPC Sheriff Terry Maketa speaking at press conference #blackforestfire efforts today were encouraging he says
— KKTV 11 News (@KKTV11News) June 13, 2013
#BlackForestFire: Took control of the fire at 6 a.m. 750 firefighters and aviation putting out the fire. -JL
— KOAA News5 (@KOAA) June 13, 2013
By acreage, #BlackForestFire has slowed. 15,700 acres burned. Only 700 since last update.
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) June 13, 2013
750 firefighters, lots of aviation assets (yeah 302nd!) Focus on south end of fire Containment at 5% #blackforestfire
— MaidaNet (@MaidaNet) June 13, 2013
"So not much progress," Harvey said. But happy with it, considering the winds #blackforestfire
— Ryan Maye Handy (@ryanmhandy) June 13, 2013
hey, we'll take 5% #blackforestfire
— Mary Maynard (@themarymaynard) June 13, 2013
UPDATE: The #BlackForestFire is now 15,700 acres in size. Approximately 13,000 homes and 38,000 people affected by evacuation.
— CBSDenver (@CBSDenver) June 13, 2013
https://twitter.com/TomcatNASCAR/status/345319124492230658
View this afternoon from Colo Springs! #9news #blackforestfire #9wx pic.twitter.com/lwcjbflLKN
— Kathy Sabine (@KathySabine9) June 13, 2013
West edge of the #BlackForestFire. You can clearly see the retardant line from Air Attack. http://t.co/uvPbAarhfu
— Cody Crouch (@CodyCrouch) June 13, 2013
A full crew will be working overnight to contain the flames.
Incident Cmdr Rich Harvey is back. He was here for Waldo. He says 750 ffers working now #blackforestfire pic.twitter.com/UPF3yqr1X7
— Lindsay Watts (@LindsayAWatts) June 13, 2013
#blackforestfire goal tonight is hold the fire lines and mop up interior hot spots so they do not flare up.
— Brian Bledsoe (@BrianBledsoe) June 13, 2013
Incredible and frightening photos continue to pour in, as some evacuate and others outside of immediate danger try to carry on as usual.
Drove a load of hay bales up to the Flying W Ranch stables earlier today. Very glad to help out. #BlackForestFire pic.twitter.com/zNV2CbAJFE
— Yormsane ???☠️ ? (@Yormsane) June 13, 2013
https://twitter.com/uchmedia/status/345278546278752256
High school baseball game with quite a view of the #blackforestfire: https://t.co/9sE467zR3y
— Steve Garufi (@SteveGarufi) June 13, 2013
Join the conversation as a VIP Member