Colorado fire claims first victim

A fierce wildfire in the U.S state of Colorado.

Around 35,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes after the fire killed at least one person and burnt down nearly 350 houses.

Authorities are calling it the most destructive blaze in Colorado's history.

Colorado Springs Police Chief Peter Carey announced that a body was found in the debris of a burned-out home, marking the first known fatality from the five-day-old blaze.

The grim news came as lighter winds helped firefighters battling to contain the inferno.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RICH HARVEY, INCIDENT COMMANDER SAYING:

"We've looked at it from the air quite often, and we're feeling very confident that we made good progress today. Very minimal fire growth, and troops in good positions. Safe. And no injuries to the firefighters today."

President Barack Obama plans to visit Colorado Springs on Friday to meet with firefighters and tour the ravaged area.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters