Wildfires

Credit: Landov (2)

President Obama to Visit Colorado Wildfires – Find Out How to Help

Originally posted 06/29/2012 11:55AM

President Obama has declared a state of disaster in Colorado, where wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate.

The Waldo Canyon Fire, on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, is also responsible for the death of at least one person. A body was found inside a charred house late Thursday and another person from the same house is missing, according to CNN.com.

President Obama's declaration means that federal funding will be available for the state and local governments, as well as eligible nonprofit organizations.

The president plans to travel to Colorado Springs Friday afternoon to personally assess the damage, according to reports.