Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has issued an emergency disaster declaration for the Fourmile Fire in Boulder County, authorizing $5 million in state aid to pay firefighting costs and directing the state to seek additional funds from the federal government if necessary. The fire has now burned more than 7,100 acres, destroyed dozens of structures, and forced the evacuation of 1,000 homes and 3,500 residents. Jeff Jahnke, state forester and director of the Colorado State Forest Service, said, “The Fourmile fire is a harsh reminder about the importance of being prepared for wildland fire, particularly for those who live, work and recreate in the wildland-urban interface.”

UPDATE: Gusty winds continue to thwart firefighters; as of Friday, the blaze was only 30% contained. Click here for a gallery of images from the Denver Post.