Hundreds of Colorado families are headed into the new year without homes after a wildfire decimated neighborhoods across 6,000 acres in Boulder County. Some reports suggest upwards of 1000 homes were destroyed.
Gusty winds helped spark the numerous wildfires, including one that quickly became one of the most destructive in state history.
The Marshall Fire destroyed at least 9 square miles of land as it forced the towns of Louisville and Superior to evacuate. Additional evacuations were later ordered in the town of Broomfield; All three towns are located northwest of Denver and southeast of Boulder.
While officials do not expect the flames to cause further damage, the Marshall Fire is already being called the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history. At least seven were injured, but no fatalities were reported as of Friday.
“We might have our very own New Year’s miracle on our hands if it holds up that there’s no loss of life,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
Chaplain coordinators with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team are in Boulder to assess how the nationwide team of crisis-trained chaplains can serve those impacted.
Josh Holland, assistant director of the rapid response team said, “The wildfires that are raging in Colorado have been so devastating and our hearts hurt for all of those who have lost their homes and suffered destruction to property. We are praying for them.”
Billy Graham chaplains are currently offering emotional and spiritual care in hurricane-ravaged Louisiana, flooded Washington and tornado-torn Kentucky.