January 3

A wildfire in the western US state of Colorado has destroyed nearly 1,000 houses and left three people missing.

The fire started in grassy fields near Denver on Thursday. Blown by strong winds, the blaze spread to neighboring communities.

Local authorities issued evacuation orders for at least 30,000 people.

Firefighters have almost extinguished the flames, with the help of accumulated snow. Evacuees were seen returning to their homes on Saturday to check the damage.

A man whose house burned down told NHK that he is devastated as he lost so many things in the fire.

Local police say they are searching for the missing and investigating the cause of the fire.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, says President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Colorado.

It says the president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing.

NHK