A husband and wife were found dead and another person is missing after a fast-moving Colorado wildfire scorched 4,500 acres in a mountainous area near Denver, officials reported. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the ongoing fire is fueled by high winds and dry conditions, and has destroyed or damaged at least 23 structures. Pre-evacuation notices have been issued to 6,500 homes, which mean residents may have to leave. John Graham, the Jefferson Country Coroner, identified the couple as Samuel and Linda Lucas. Authorities discovered the remains of Linda, 76, at the residence first. The body of Samuel, 77, was recovered on Tuesday. The causes of death were not exact, but Graham reported that he suspects the couple’s death was fire related.
Jefferson County spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said, “They were found very close together. One was found outside; one was found inside.” With little information on the missing person, Kelley said, “It is a woman who lives within the area that was pretty heavily damaged.” About 200 firefighters were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, Kelley reported. The fire was a controlled burn that crawled outside the perimeter and went through the area swiftly. March has been very dry in the area and the land is arid after a winter with little snow.
