Fightback begins near Denver

A shift of wind has given fire crews a chance to go on the offensive against a bushfire which has burned 36,000 hectares (90,000 acres) in the foothills south-west of Denver, Colorado.

On Wednesday wind from the north slowed down the blaze when it was 10 miles from the outer reaches of the Denver metropolitan area.

About 450 firefighters marched toward the fire as plumes of smoke rose to 6,000 metres, concealing the rolling hills between Denver and Colorado Springs.

Rain is not forecast in the area until at least today, and fire managers were worried that the wind might pick up again.

More than 5,400 people had to stay away from their homes. One, Dale White, said he was resigned to the possibility of losing his home.

"It's just a matter of time. I know there are a lot of houses over there being lost," he said. "It's all up to nature."

The fire began on Saturday in the Pike national forest and has destroyed 22 homes. Colorado is in the middle of one of its worst drought for years. Officials say it could take 70 to 90 days to contain the fire, which is thought to have been started by a campfire.