Strong Winds Return as Colorado Fire Burns Out of Control

In this aerial photograph, smoke rises from the Lower North Fork Wildfire as it burns near the foothills community of Conifer, Colo., southwest of Denver on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Meghan Evans, Meteorologist

Mar 28, 2012; 4:47 PM ET

High winds returning will make the battle against the Lower North Forks Wildfire more difficult for fire fighters.
The gusty winds will pick up again tonight, threatening to spread the blaze, which is burning about 20 miles southwest of Denver, Colo.
The wildfire has charred nearly 4,500 acres of the foothills of the Front Range, and it is currently zero percent contained.
According to the Denver Post, two people have been killed by the fire and one woman is missing.
More than two dozen structures have already been damaged or destroyed.
Winds Increasing, Making Battle More Difficult
Winds may gust to 25 mph in Denver tonight, but farther south in the canyons where the fire is burning, gusts could exceed 40 mph. Winds of this magnitude can rapidly fan the flames.
"Winds will be blowing from the southwest tonight - directed toward Denver - so smoke could continue to be an issue," AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
The high wind issue will not end after tonight. In fact, winds will be even stronger over the weekend as a storm pushes across the interior West.

"Winds can get cranking there Friday evening, so the danger factor could really increase late Friday into the weekend," Sosnowski added.
Gusts of more than 40 mph from the southwest can occur late Friday and Saturday.
The highest wind gusts, surpassing 60 mph, are anticipated on Sunday. The wind direction will be out of the northwest, potentially spreading the wildfire and smoke in a different direction toward more rugged terrain.

Strong Winds Return as Colorado Fire Burns Out of Control