Colorado authorities have ordered hundreds of residents to leave their homes as a massive wildfire sweeps across part of the state.
The Aspen fire is heading towards the Tucson foothills, and the decision to evacuate came after winds whipped up the flames - causing the fire to move downhill faster than firefighters had anticipated.
Gordon Gay, who is at the fire command post, said: "The fire reaching the resort and the homes is not imminent," but added the situation is ominous.
He said: "The voluntary evacuation...is an attempt to get fire engines and other equipment into the area and to avoid congestion from other area residents."
The one thing that seems to be working in firefighters' favour is the fact that vegetation in the area is sparse.
Working against them, however, are winds that are expected to push the flames in the direction of Tucson, reports Fox11AZ.Comwebsite.
So far, the Aspen fire has burned more than 70,000 acres.
PA