Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

Some Denver Residents May Be Evacuated

Aired June 11, 2002 - 07:27   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Officials in Colorado have drawn up emergency plans now to evacuate as many as 40,000 from suburban Denver southwest of the town there. All that depending on the path, of course, of the largest of Colorado's eight fires now burning.

The Hayman fire is in the center of this satellite picture from NOAA. The red part shows the size of the actual fire, and the huge plume of smoke covers the city of Denver to the northeast.

Lilian Kim is live at Rocksboro (ph) State Park -- that's right near Littleton, Colorado -- watching it all as the sun comes up another day -- Lilian, good morning.

LILIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

The winds have shifted and the temperatures have dropped, but fire officials warn this blaze could blow up again at any time depending on the weather. So far, more than 75,000 acres have burned. Firefighters say the wind-driven flames are unpredictable. At one point, so dangerous, crews had to be pulled off the lines.

The fire, moving as quickly at the mile an hour, came alarmingly close to Denver suburbs, creating a haze over the city. Hundreds have left their homes, many more may eventually be forced out. Authorities have drawn up plans to evacuate as many as 40,000 residents. High winds, high temperatures and dry conditions are making it tough for crews battling the flames.

Firefighters say the blaze was started by an illegal campfire about 55 miles southwest of Denver. The fire is one of at least eight burning in Colorado. Now Governor Bill Owens has since banned outdoor burning in state parks and national forests.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. BILL OWENS (R) COLORADO: It's a very dangerous time for Colorado. I think every Coloradoan owes it to himself and herself and the rest of the citizens of the state to exercise extreme care whenever you're out of doors in this beautiful state. So many of these fires have been caused by the actions of man.

We're going to have enough difficulty over this coming summer in dealing with natural fires, fires that are created by lightning and by, in fact, coal seams. Let's make it easier on these brave firemen and firefighters who are out there. Let's not add to the burdens that our state faces.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KIM: Even though the flames have so far been kept away from Denver suburbs, residents have definitely been feeling the effects. They've seen ashes in their yards and on the rooftops. And many people have gotten sick from the smoky air. So not a pleasant situation here in Denver, especially for people with respiratory problems.

Reporting live from Littleton, Colorado, I'm Lilian Kim -- Bill, back to you.

HEMMER: Lilian, thank you. Lilian Kim in Littleton watching that.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com