High winds, severe drought, and warm temps led to Colorado's historic wildfire

https://www.npr.org/2021/12/31/ [login to see] /colorado-marshall-fire-caused-by-high-winds-drought
An historic wildfire hit Colorado Thursday forcing the evacuation of more than 30,000 people and patients at local hospitals. Hundreds of homes are reportedly destroyed from the fast-moving flames.

The Marshall Fire and Middle Fork Fire are considered the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history, according to a state legislator. Local meteorologists and climate experts say drought, heavy winds, and recent warm weather created the atmosphere for the wildfire to flourish.

Grass fires and 40-foot-high flames spread to nearly 1,600 acres and engulfed neighborhoods, Colorado Public Radio reported. Boulder County's Office of Emergency Management ordered residents in Louisville, Superior, and Broomfield, Colo. to evacuate.

High winds knocked down power lines in multiple areas, according to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle. Early evidence suggests a sparking power line could have ignited the fires. More than 20,000 people were still without power at around 12 a.m. MST Friday, according to Poweroutage.us.