DENVER (AP) — Fire crews in northern Colorado are bracing for powerful winds expected to fan the High Park Fire that's already scorched about 85 square miles west of Fort Collins.
The blaze is burning in mountainous forest land, but it has destroyed at least 181 homes. That's the most in state history.
Lightning started the fire, which is believed to have killed one person -- a 62-year-old woman whose body was found in her cabin.
More than 1,600 personnel on the scene have the fire about 20 percent contained. But the fire's incident commander says full containment could be two to four weeks away.
Firefighters have also been extinguishing spot fires that have erupted along the main fire's containment lines.
The National Weather Service says wind gusts could hit 50 mph along ridge tops today and temperatures are expected to reach the 90s.
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APPHOTO CODEN109: This undated photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service via The Denver Post on Saturday, June 16, 2012, shows the tree struck by lighting that started the High Park fire in Larimer County according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire was reported June 9, 2012 and has raced through large swaths of private and U.S. Forest Service land. (AP Photo/U.S. Forest Service via The Denver Post) (16 Jun 2012)
<<APPHOTO CODEN109 (06/16/12)>>
APPHOTO CODEN104: Smoke from High Park fire in Fort Collins, Colo., is visible over the Cache La Poudre Canyon, Saturday, June 16, 2012. Fire officials say more than 1,500 personnel are now involved in fighting the fire, which has scorched about 85 square miles and burned at least 112 homes. It's 20 percent contained but the incident commander says full containment could be two to four weeks away. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Hyoung Chang) MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT (16 Jun 2012)
<<APPHOTO CODEN104 (06/16/12)>>
APPHOTO CODEN106: Smoke from High Park Fire in Fort Collins, Colo., is visible over the Cache La Poudre Canyon, Saturday, June 16, 2012. Fire officials say more than 1,500 personnel are now involved in fighting the fire, which has scorched about 85 square miles and burned at least 112 homes. It's 20 percent contained but the incident commander says full containment could be two to four weeks away. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Hyoung Chang) MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT (16 Jun 2012)
<<APPHOTO CODEN106 (06/16/12)>>
APPHOTO CODEN108: Firefighters prepare hoses during the morning briefing at Glacier View Fire Station (hash)1 in Glacier Meadows, Colo., as the High Park Fire continues to burn in Fort Collins, Colo., Saturday, June 16, 2012. Fire officials say more than 1,500 personnel are now involved in fighting the fire, which has scorched about 85 square miles and burned at least 112 homes. It's 20 percent contained but the incident commander says full containment could be two to four weeks away. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Hyoung Chang) MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET OUT (16 Jun 2012)
<<APPHOTO CODEN108 (06/16/12)>>
