A fast moving wildfire burning northwest of Boulder sent smoke over Thornton on monday and more is expected today. The Fourmile Canyon Fire started late Monday morning and has burned 3,500 acres thus far.
Tinder dry fuels, low humidity, warm temperatures and gusty winds fueled the Fourmile Canyon Fire yesterday as it grew quickly. Firefighters took up defensive positions trying to save what homes they could but many were reduced to cinder.
More than 100 firefighters are on scene with 35 engines from 30 local agencies. Boulder County Fire is acting as the primary agency for the fire.
High winds prevented air tankers with retardant from operating for most of the day but the wind eased in the late afternoon and evening allowing some operations. 18 flights by three tankers were carried out before the sun set and they were able to drop 40,000 gallons of retardant on the fast moving fire.
Four additional tankers arrived Monday and will begin operations today, weather permitting.