NU Online News Service, Sept. 10, 3:39 p.m. EDT

The Fourmile Canyon wildfire raging in Colorado gained some momentum Thursday night as winds gusting to 30 miles per hour fueled the blaze, modeling firm AIR Worldwide said, but firefighters were able to prevent any new structures from being lost.

The fire--the most destructive wildfire in Colorado's history--has spread to within 10 miles of Boulder, Colo., AIR said, adding that officials have warned residents in the westernmost part of Boulder to prepare for evacuation.

Carole Walker, executive director with the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, said yesterday it is too early to speculate on insured losses.

The fire is currently about 30 percent contained, AIR said. So far, it has destroyed more than 170 homes and damaged another 25 while consuming about 6,500 acres, AIR noted.

"AIR estimates that the total value of residential properties in ZIP code 80302, which encompasses the area of the fire, is about $2.8 billion, though it should be noted that the ZIP code extends well beyond the current perimeter," the modeler said.

AIR said residential construction in the Boulder area is dominated by low-rise wood frame houses. "Perhaps 10 to 20 percent have masonry exterior walls and are therefore somewhat less vulnerable," AIR explained. "The relatively few commercial buildings in the area of the fire are of more mixed construction, with wood being common for smaller commercial buildings."

The blaze started Sept. 6, and the cause is still under investigation.

Special Reports /

Overnight Winds Fuel Colo. Fire; Blaze 30% Contained

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