MNN - Mother Nature Network

Colorado's Waldo Canyon wildfire is already the most destructive in state history, having burned 18,000 acres, destroyed 347 homes and and killed at least two people since it erupted two weeks ago. The fire is now 55 percent contained, but it's still burning at 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit and spreading faster than humans can run. According to InciWeb, its growth potential remains "extreme."

 

This summer's devastating outbreak of wildfires is yielding lots of amazing imagery, but photographer Steve Moraco has captured one of the most impressive visual records so far. Filmed from his parents' deck overlooking the fire zone near Colorado Springs, the following time-lapse video shows the Waldo Canyon Fire's evolution over a five-day span from June 23-28. It's long, but worth watching:

 

 

The video, posted online Friday, quickly took off on YouTube and Vimeo over the weekend. It drew a wide range of praise for its expansive view of the historic wildfire, including this comment on YouTube from a former firefighter:

 

 

Another commenter on Vimeo perhaps sums it up best:

 

 

As of July 2, there are 11 large, active wildfires burning across Colorado, and more than 50 nationwide — 46 of them uncontained.

 

[Via EarthSky]

 

Also on MNN:

• Western wildfires not likely to abate
• Is global warming fueling Colorado's wildfires?
• Air pollution from wildfires mapped by NASA
• Photos: 10 wildfires as seen from space