BELLVUE, Colo. (AP) - Firefighters battling a wildfire that's burning west of Fort Collins, Colorado, have had to retreat for their safety.

The blaze has scorched more than 118 square miles in northern Colorado and destroyed at least 191 homes.

Crews stationed near threatened homes yesterday have had to back off, and the team's commander says containment has slipped from 60 percent to 45 percent.

Authorities issued nearly 1,000 evacuation notices last night, some of which went to residents who had only returned home two days earlier.

Meanwhile, a fire in southwestern Colorado prompted authorities to order the evacuation of 22 homes this morning. The fire was reported Friday and has burned 700-800 acres.

A continued mix of hot, windy and extremely dry conditions has raised the fire danger across Utah and parts of Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. Forecasters expect strong winds to persist through the weekend.

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