Boulder County, Colo. (CBS4) — On Saturday afternoon, officials announced that 991 homes were destroyed in the Marshall Fire, including 553 homes in Louisville, 332 homes in Superior, and 106 in outlying areas including Eldorado Canyon. Also, three people are said to be missing.
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Officials said the homes of the missing were destroyed and now covered with several inches of snow. The bodies will be brought to the dogs, but officials said it is not safe to enter the area at this point.
Officials said it would be “miraculous” if only three people were killed, not hundreds. Among the missing are two superiors and one from the marshal area. There is none from Louisville.
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Officials said icy weather and structure damage were making investigations difficult but said estimates of destroyed homes “are very close to being finalized.”
Link: View a preliminary list of addresses for destroyed homes in Boulder County
Investigators now say there is no credible evidence of the collapse of the power lines that sparked the devastating fire. He said that even though the telecommunication lines may have been closed during the strong winds, they could not have started the fire. This is still an active investigation. Investigators are investigating claims that the fire started in a barn or a shed, but have yet to confirm a specific cause.
“Be prepared to change your community in ways you didn’t expect,” officials warned. Smoke may be visible for a few days.
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Officials encouraged people to drive in the area only during daylight hours and warned them to be aware of snow-covered hazards, including still warm areas.
Gas and electricity may still be turned off. Xcel is distributing space heaters at two YMCA locations.
Drinking water is not available in many areas. All water must be brought in for drinking and other consumption by humans and pets.
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Dispose of any food that has been thawed or exposed to smoke or heat, officials said.
Signs of suspicious activity should be reported to 303.441.3674. Witnesses who see active suspicious activity should call 911.
Another update is scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm. Watch it on CBSN Denver.
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