Colorado wildfire crews get reinforcements

CONIFER, Colo. (KABC) -- With more resources arriving, firefighters are hoping to get the upper hand on a wildfire that has been burning since Monday about 25 miles southwest of Denver, Colo.

The fire has burned through 6 square miles so far, damaged 27 homes and may be responsible for two deaths. A search team also is using dogs to look for a woman missing in the fire zone.

Erratic, strong winds had firefighters trying to protect homes on Tuesday, rather than attacking the fire.

Some 400 firefighters from Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah have been sent to assist 250 firefighters on the ground on Wednesday. At least four aircraft are also involved in the firefighting effort.

Authorities believe the blaze was likely sparked by a controlled burn set last week to clear vegetation in the hopes of preventing a wildfire.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday suspended the use of state prescribed burns. He said the ban on such fires on state lands, including state parks, would be in effect until a review of the wildfire is complete.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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