Enlarge image
Over 500 homes north of Denver have been destroyed
Photo:
David Zalubowski / AP
According to official figures, seven people have been injured in the fires in the US state of Colorado, in which more than 30,000 people were evacuated north of Denver, and there are currently no reports of dead or missing.
"We could experience our very own New Year's miracle if there are no fatalities," said Governor Jared Polis on Friday.
According to Polis, US President Joe Biden has promised financial support to the people.
For the winter, the Colorado wildfires are unusual.
Power lines overturned by gusts of wind had started a series of smaller fires that spread across the bone-dry countryside of Boulder County.
Polis had declared a state of emergency.
The cooler weather and at least temporarily weaker winds then slowed the spread of the fire on Friday morning.
In some parts of the state, up to one meter of snow is expected, said the office of the National Weather Service in Boulder on Friday on Twitter.
However, the service also warned of new "life-threatening" situations in traffic.
More than 500 houses destroyed
According to official information, more than 500 houses have been destroyed so far.
“It is utter devastation.
We saw houses explode right before our eyes, "Superior City Mayor Clint Folsom told CNN on Friday.
Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said up to 1,000 houses could be devastated and the exact number will not be revealed until the emergency services are finished.
"It's incredible that we don't have a list of up to 100 missing people, given the devastation," Pelle said.
ngo / Reuters / AP / AFP