An HP data centre in Colorado Springs is in danger of being destroyed by a wildfire raging near by. The data centre, located alongside a HP laboratory and office on Rockrimmon Boulevard in Colorado Springs, is in the mandatory evacuation area for the fire, although the fire hasn't reached that street yet.

"The fires in Colorado have resulted in the temporary closure of our facility in Colorado Springs," HP told The Register. In the last update on the Waldo Canyon Fire, which started on Saturday 23 June, 27 crews were fighting the fire – which was spread over more than 18,000 acres and threatened over 20,000 residents and commercial buildings. Around 32,000 people have been evacuated from the area as the fire broke through containment lines and into Colorado's second-most populous city. "We can confirm that all HP employees were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. HP is monitoring the situation closely, and has plans in place to assist our employees and minimize any disruption to our customers."

Meanwhile, the White House said President Barack Obama will tour fire-stricken areas of Colorado on Friday and thank firefighters battling some of the worst fires to hit the American West in decades. Colorado Springs Police Chief Peter Carey said Obama's visit to Colorado, considered a key battleground state in the presidential election, would not tax the city's already-strained police force. Gov. John Hickenlooper said he expected the president might sign a disaster declaration that would allow for more federal aid.

The full scope of the fire remained unknown. So intense were the flames and so thick the smoke that rescue workers weren't able to tell residents which structures were destroyed and which ones were still standing.