DAN ELLIOTT and P. SOLOMON BANDA
Associated Press Writer

BOULDER, Colo. - Firefighters in Colorado are hoping to ramp up the fight against a 3,500-acre wildfire that has forced about 3,000 people from their homes in a rugged canyon northwest of Boulder.


Winds were calmer Tuesday and authorities planned to dump two to three times the amount of fire retardant from the air. However, flights have been delayed because of heavy smoke hanging over the area.

Gusty winds helped the fire spread quickly Monday and grounded air tankers for much of the day.

The fire has destroyed dozens of homes, including some belonging to firefighters. However, Rich Brough of the Boulder County Sheriff's Office says there's still no more details on how many homes were destroyed.

He also said an investigative team would be talking to witnesses. He said there was no indication the fire was suspicious.


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