Keith Coffman

DENVER (Reuters] – Authorities say three people have been reported missing after a wildfire erupted in Boulder County. The fire caused thousands to evacuate and destroyed nearly 1000 homes.

Initial reports indicated that there had been no deaths or reported missing persons following Thursday’s rare urban wildfire. It erupted on the northern edge of Denver.

Superior and Louisville were evacuated after flames spread to their eastern borders by winds gusting over 100 miles an hour (161 kph).

Officials said that the fire had burned 6,000 acres in just two hours.

Joe Pelle of Boulder County said three people were missing. He declined to name them. They lived in homes destroyed by the fire.

Pelle claimed that “the structures where they would be” were completely destroyed, and that snow has covered them with eight inches. Casuar dogs will also be used to search their dwellings on Sunday.

Pelle reported that 991 residences in Superior, Louisville, and unincorporated areas of the County were damaged, which makes it the largest wildfire ever recorded in the history of state government.

Although officials initially believed that the sparks were caused by fallen power lines, they may not have ignited the fire. A utility company inspection confirmed this. Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: ) There were no downed or damaged lines found close to the suspected origin of the fire.

Pelle indicated that investigators were investigating all possible avenues in order to discover what set off the conflagration. The sheriff responded to a tip and said that a search warrant had been issued for the investigation, but refused to give any further details.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency stated that Joe Biden, President of the United States, has declared this area a National Disaster, allowing federal money to be used for recovery aid.