a devastating start to the new year for hundreds of families in colorado driven from their homes by a terrifying wildfire. officials estimate more than 500 homes destroyed in boulder county. no immediate reports of fatalities, but a handful of injuries reported. let's go to steve patterson in boulder county. steve? >> reporter: there is no official, mehdi, number for firefighters who stay on scene. this is still an active fires zone. you have to imagine with the amount of snow blowing since yesterday evening that the major firefighting operation has ended. hot spots now put out by the snow. the unsung hero marking the end of what had been a horrible day yesterday. that fire as you mentioned destroying at least 500 homes. the estimate may be nearing or more than 1,000 homes.