Upset in 200 breast: Weltz beats Hansen, Shanteau

Nathan Adrian pumps his fist after winning the men's 100-meter freestyle final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Friday, June 29, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Nathan Adrian pumps his fist after winning the men's 100-meter freestyle final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Friday, June 29, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Scott Weltz celebrates after winning the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 28, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Nathan Adrian waves after winning the men's 100-meter freestyle final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Friday, June 29, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Scott Weltz swims to victory in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials on Friday, June 29, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Scott Weltz celebrates after winning the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials on Friday, June 29, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) ? Brendan Hansen and Eric Shanteau were the favorites.

The race was a different matter.

In another major breaststroke upset, Scott Weltz won the 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials Friday night, leaving Hansen and Shanteau with only one individual event at the London Games.

On a night when Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps were focused on getting through semifinal races, Nathan Adrian won the 100 freestyle and Cullen Jones claimed the second spot for London, while Natalie Coughlin barely kept alive her last chance to make it back to the Olympics.

But the men's 200 breast was the real stunner, just as shocking as the women's 100 breast, which was won by Breeja Larson over Rebecca Soni and Jessica Hardy. At least Soni got second place, still good enough for a do-over in the Olympics.

Neither Hansen nor Shanteau were as fortunate.

"My whole body was kind of tingling and I was like, 'I'm feeling it and something is different, this is the time,'" Weltz said. "I was smiling behind the blocks, I wasn't nervous. I felt great going into it."

Clark Burckle claimed the second spot on the Olympic team, another big surprise. Shanteau finished third and Hansen faded to fourth, the two of them forced to settle for only swimming the 100 breast in London after going 1-2 in that event at the trials.

"I think you guys are as surprised as I am," Hansen said. "I can't believe Eric and I are not swimming the 200."

The 25-year-old Weltz moved up on the third lap and surged to the finish to win in 2 minutes, 9.01 seconds. Burckle was next in 2:09.97, edging Shanteau with the touch.

"When I turned at the wall, I saw I wasn't a body length and a half behind, I was like, 'I've only got to make up a maybe a half-body length. I can do this,'" Weltz said. "From then on, it was like a freight train going forward."

Shanteau, who competed in the 200 breast at Beijing after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, considers the longer event his better race and thought the 100 was just a bonus. Now, it's his only Olympic race, which is why he was especially distraught when he looked up at the board and saw that Burckle got him by eight-hundredths of a second.

Shanteau took off his cap and goggles and hung on the lane rope, his head dropping back against the wall he didn't get to quite fast enough.

Hansen finished in 2:10.25.

"I didn't think Weltz had it in him," Hansen said. "He swam like a big-time swimmer."

Hansen got an ugly reminder of his performance at the 2008 trials, when he went in as the 200 favorite and couldn't hold it together on the final lap. He followed with a disappointing performance in Beijing, which led him to retire from the sport in disgust. He returned after a more than two-year layoff and seemed on course for redemption after winning the 100 breast.

"I'm disappointed by my performance," Hansen said. "The whole time I thought I was right on pace. When I turned it on with 150 to go, I thought, 'Uh oh, been here before.'"

Adrian was a big favorite in the 100 free, and this race went as expected. The 23-year-old native of Washington state led at the flip and never let up on the return lap, winning clearly in 48.10, the fourth-fastest time in the world this year.

"The first 15 meters I said to myself, 'I think can do this, I might have put myself in a good spot,'" Adrian said.

The real battle was for the second individual spot. Jones went out strong, as always, and managed to hold on in an outside lane to touch in 48.46, giving the first African-American ever to win an Olympic swimming gold a chance to add to his collection in London.

Matt Grevers was next (48.55), followed by Ricky Berens (48.80), which assures them of spots in the pool for the 400 free relay. Jimmy Feigen and 2008 Olympic relay star Jason Lezak are also on the team after finishing fifth and sixth. Lezak was fortunate to be in the field at all, putting up the ninth-fastest time in the semifinals but getting in when Lochte scratched.

"He's somebody definitely good to have on the team," said Phelps, remembering how Lezak bailed out his bid for eight gold medals with a brilliant anchor leg in 2008. "We are going to have to do a lot of work for that relay. This is some kind of start. Having the experience that Jason has, hopefully he can help some of the younger guys get up."

Coughlin hung on in her bid to make it back to a third Olympics and take a shot at tying Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres as the most decorated female Olympians in U.S. history.

Coughlin won six medals in Beijing and she has 11 overall, one shy of Thompson and Torres. But there may not be a chance to tie them in London.

Having already missed out in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, Coughlin is down to her final realistic chance in the 100 freestyle. She barely got out of the semifinals, finishing sixth in her heat but seventh overall to qualify for Saturday night's final. Amanda Weir was the fastest qualifier in 54.14, followed by Missy Franklin (54.19) and Allison Schmitt (54.23).

With a loaded final that also included Dana Vollmer and Jessica Hardy, Coughlin looks like a longshot for an individual berth in London. She'll need to finish in the top six of the eight-woman final to earn consideration for the 400 free relay team.

"Life will go on," Coughlin said. "That's why you don't see me freaking out."

On a busy night. Lochte cruised through the semis of the 200 backstroke with the fastest time at 1:55.73. Tyler Clary was next (1:55.88) in what looks like a two-man race. Only one other qualifier for the final was within 3 seconds of the leaders.

Lochte returned less than an hour later for the semifinals of the 200 individual medley, which was Phelps' only event of the night. Racing side-by-side again, Lochte was top qualifier again with the fastest time in the world this year (1:55.51), while Phelps was about a body length behind (1:56.66).

"I knew he kind of took off, so I was like I probably should save something for tomorrow," Phelps said. "I kind of shut it down once the race was kind of over."

They will be right next to each other again Saturday night in the finals, their final showdown on the trials. They've each won a head-to-head meeting, a tantalizing glimpse of what awaits at the meet that really matters in London.

"Those were pretty solid swims," said Lochte, who will have only about a 20-minute break between races in the finals. "I'm up for that challenge. It's something I've been doing for four years now: challenging myself. I'm definitely ready."

In the night's other final, Cammile Adams pulled away to win the 200 butterfly in 2:06.52. Kathleen Hersey claimed the second Olympic berth (2:07.72), more than a second ahead of third-place finisher Kim Vandenberg.

Teresa Crippen, sister of the late Fran Crippen, was fourth. She had hoped to make the Olympics to help carry on the dream of her brother, who died in an open-water race in 2010.

___

Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-06-29-SWM-US%20Swim%20Trials/id-29d3d33d0bd9423d933ce9070e1e80c8

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Healthy Food: 50 Of The Best In The World

Almonds

Almonds are a rich source of fiber, protein, heart-healthy fat, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, making them a one-stop food. "[They make] a great snack but watch your portion size as almonds are high in calories," warn Johnson and Bickford. "Stick to no more than one ounce." That's 23 whole, shelled nuts. While the monounsaturated fat works to lower LDL cholesterol, their significant dose of vitamin E provides antioxidant power. What's more, a quarter-cup of almonds has about 100 milligrams of magnesium (about 25 percent of a daily allowance), which promotes vascular and heart health, and 257 milligrams of potassium, which helps prevent high blood pressure. These benefits also have a track record in real-world scenarios: in five longitudinal cohort studies, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11122711" target="_hplink">including the Iowa Women Health Study and the Nurses' Study</a>, researchers found that replacing some portion of carbohydrate with nuts like almonds led to a heart disease risk reduction of 30 percent. And in a study in the journal <em>Metabolism</em>, <a href="http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/8/1/6/" target="_hplink">researchers found that eating almonds</a> along with a high glycemic index food (such as white bread, potatoes or sweets) at breakfast significantly lowered the overall glycemic index of the meal by helping to modulate the postprandial blood sugar rise.

Apples

Apples are an "excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol," says Wixom. The fruit is also high in fiber and its peel contains something called ursolic acid, which has been shown in recent studies to lower the incidence of obesity. "Apples also contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in preventing respiratory problems," Heather Bauer tells The Huffington Post. "Research shows that pregnant women who incorporated apples into their daily diet were less likely to give birth to a child with asthma."

Artichoke Hearts

These small greenish-yellow veggies are jam-packed with fiber -- 12 grams per cup, in fact. And a diet sufficient in fiber helps to promote healthy weight and cholesterol levels -- and digestive health. But what's more, a <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/content/84/1/95.abstract">2006 study</a> in the <em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em> found that artichoke hearts had the highest antioxidant density of any vegetable, beating out such well-known antioxidant powerhouses as blueberries, dark chocolate and grapes.

Avocado

Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat that help people feel satiated, avocados are also rich sources of vitamin C, E, potassium, and lutein. And, points out Politi, when paired with salsa or salad, the monounsaturated fat helps us better absorb carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene -- an important class of antioxidants found in many vegetables that help to protect against everything from cancer to eye health problems to heart disease. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15629237">Early research</a> has also found that the fruit could play a role in inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Beets

"The dark red color indicates the powerful phytonutrient package of beets," Diekman tells The Huffington Post. Indeed beets are rich in betalains, such as betanin and vulgaxanthin, that give them their pigment and also have anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties. Beyond that, beets contain significant amounts of folate, vitamin C, B6, iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine.

Beans

Thanks to a certain gross-out childhood rhyme, everyone knows that beans are good for your heart thanks to a high fiber content. Their fiberous quality also makes them protective against certain cancers and a top-rated food for diabetics, <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/diabetes-superfoods.html" target="_hplink">per the American Diabetes Association</a>. And when combined with a grain, they comprise a high-quality vegetarian source of complete protein. Beans are an excellent dietary source of folate and also have high levels of iron, potassium and magnesium, according to Wixom, which help with bone health and blood pressure levels.

Bell Peppers

The peppers are "loaded with vitamin C," says Joy Bauer. But unlike many other sources of the nutrient, bell peppers are relatively low in sugar, while also providing fiber and several antioxidants from the carotenoid class (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin). Carotenoids improve eye health, and are associated with a <a href="http://pac.iupac.org/publications/pac/pdf/2002/pdf/7408x1451.pdf">reduction in cancer risk </a>and a <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/content/83/6/1265.full"> lower risk of cardiovascular-related death</a>. And at least one study found that they can <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/12/study-can-a-veggie-rich-diet-make-you-more-beautiful/"> make you appear more beautiful</a>.

Blackberries And Raspberries

Berries are low in calories and are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals, and, according to Wixom, some research suggests they help with such divergent health challenges as age-related mental decline, heart disease, some cancers and urinary tract infections. On the mental acuity front, the berries are full of anthocyanins for boosting memory, according to Joy Bauer, but that's not their only age-related benefit. "These foods are high in antioxidants, protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products known as free radicals, made normally when the body changes oxygen and food into energy," according to experts at the Penn Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania.

Black Tea

Along with green and white teas, black tea is full of antioxidant flavonoids. "Studies suggest [they] may have strong anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, be protective against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes," says Heller. "Just don't load your tea up with sugar and cream!" On the other hand, adding a squeeze of lemon could help your body absorb antioxidants as well. But don't think that the compounds from tea are just the same as those found in other antioxidant-rich items like fruits and vegetables -- flavonoids are distinctly different, according to tea researcher John Weisburger, who <a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea">told WebMD</a>: ""In my lab, we found that green and black tea had identical amounts of polyphenols. We found that both types of tea blocked DNA damage associated with tobacco and other toxic chemicals. In animal studies, tea-drinking rats have less cancer."

Blueberries

While <em>all</em> berries provide healthful antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals, studies show that blueberries have a particular and unique health benefit. "Among the fruits with the highest level of antioxidants, blueberries have been linked to lowering cholesterol, reducing diabetes risk, slowing the aging process, improving motor skills and supporting urinary and vision health," says Fitzgerald. "The compound, anthocynanin, gives blueberries their color and may be the main component of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties."

Broccoli

"Broccoli is high in fiber, low in calories, rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene," says Young. But that's not all: according to Politi, the cruciferous vegetable is also rich in vitamins K, E, B and the minerals, calcium, iron, selenium and potassium. And that means broccoli is something of a wonder-food, promoting eye health and preventing macular degeneration with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin; protecting against cancer, heart disease, stroke; building strong bones, thanks to calcium; and fortifying the immune system. But it's their richness in sulforaphane (what also gives them a slightly unpleasant smell) that research shows may help fight breast cancer. In fact, in <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_123681.html">one recent Chinese study</a>, women who consumed the most cruciferous vegetables were 62 percent less likely to die of breast cancer and, if they had a history of breast cancer, were 35 percent less likely to experience a recurrence.

Brown Rice

Fiber-packed and nutrient dense brown rice helps fill you up while being relatively low in calories," say Johnson and Bickftoord. What's more, <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2010-releases/white-rice-brown-rice-whole-grains-diabetes.html">a 2010 Harvard study</a> found that eating two or more servings of brown rice helped protect against Type 2 diabetes, compared to five servings of white rice, which actually <em>increased</em> the risk. And <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060302180051.htm">a 2006 rat study</a> found that brown rice might specifically help to lower blood pressure.

Brussels Sprouts

"Consuming cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts may play a role in protecting against heart disease perhaps by reducing inflammation," Zied tells The Huffington Post. They contain important nutrients like omega 6 fatty acids (in the form of ALA), vitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, and folate), and vitamin E, according to Zied. And that's not all: <a href="http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/treatments_services/nutrition.html">according to advice</a> for breast cancer patients from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the antioxidant, antiestrogen and chemopreventive properties of the Brussels sprouts may make them useful in preventing recurrence of cancer.

Cherries

These tartly sweet fruits are packed with vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, and are a low-calorie food to boot. Zied explains that they also are a good source of fiber, and have virtually no sodium or fat. Cherries are "packed with antioxidants, and emerging studies suggest that eating cherries or drinking cherry juice may promote heart health, play a role in pain management, support recovery from exercise, and even help you fall asleep faster," Zied tells HuffPost. Experts at the Penn Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania also note that cherries' antioxidants help to "protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products known as free radicals, made normally when the body changes oxygen and food into energy." <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/dhwright/" target="_hplink">D H Wright</a></em>

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are actually from the Salvia hispanica plant, and have been a part of the <a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA365093/Chia-for-Health.html" target="_hplink">diets of the Aztecs and Mayans</a>. The little seeds are super-rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which research has shown to be important in lowering inflammation in the body and <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm/" target="_hplink">reducing the risk of heart disease</a> and cancer. Heather Bauer says that she loves putting chia seeds as a topping for yogurt in order to boost calcium and fiber intake. "A one tablespoon sprinkle contains 6 grams of fiber and is full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation," Bauer tells HuffPost. "They're also abundant in antioxidants and contain more calcium than milk per serving." And Joy Bauer says that chia seeds actually have more calcium and fiber than the notoriously healthy flaxseed. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/notahipster/" target="_hplink">little blue hen</a></em>

Coffee

Ah, coffee. The perks of this remarkable brew have been more and more researched lately, with <a href="Ah, coffee. The perks of this remarkable brew have been more and more researched lately, with potential health benefits including the ability to protect against heart failure, lower depression risk, lower risk of some cancers, protect against diabetes and possibly even help you live longer. Joy Bauer also points out that coffee is high in antioxidants, which is great for brain health. " target="_hplink">potential health benefits</a> including the ability to protect against <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/26/coffee-heart-failure_n_1624804.html?utm_hp_ref=health-news&ir=Health News" target="_hplink">heart failure</a>, lower <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/27/coffee-cuts-depression-women_n_982122.html " target="_hplink">depression risk</a>, lower risk of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/24/coffee-most-common-cancer_n_1025089.html" target="_hplink">some cancers</a>, protect <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/coffee-health-benefits_n_1064577.html#s440654&title=Coffee_Could_Protect" target="_hplink">against diabetes</a> and possibly even help you <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/coffee-longer-life-new-research-finds_n_1524228.html" target="_hplink">live longer</a>. Joy Bauer also points out that coffee is high in antioxidants, which is great for brain health.

Cranberries

This little red fruit is actually a powerful <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cranberry-000235.htm" target="_hplink">urinary tract infection preventer</a>, as it's able to stop bacteria from clinging to the urinary tract walls, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that there is not yet enough evidence to say that cranberries can actually <em>treat</em> UTIs. Some studies have also shown that cranberries have <a href="http://nccam.nih.gov/health/cranberry" target="_hplink">lots of antioxidants</a> and may even be able to lower the amount of dental plaque we have in our mouths (which is a risk factor for gum disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. However, it's important to keep in mind that <em>juices</em> made of cranberries often contain <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cranberry-000235.htm" target="_hplink">high amounts of sugar</a>, so look out for types that are sugar free, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/29682030@N00/" target="_hplink">Bruce Foster</a></em>

Dark Chocolate

How sweet it is that this sweet can actually be good for us? Ding notes that the flavonoids in cocoa are able to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/01/dark-chocolate-heart_n_1561014.html" target="_hplink">protect the heart</a> from disease by lowering blood pressure, raising <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/dark-chocolate-health-cholesterol-blood-sugar_n_1452799.html" target="_hplink">levels of "good" cholesterol</a> and lowering levels of "bad" cholesterol, helping with blood flow and even improving insulin sensitivity. However, Ding also says that chocolate is high in calories and fat, and so supplements of cocoa flavonoids may be a better option for getting the full benefits of chocolate, instead of eating several bars a day. For more health benefits of chocolate, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/28/chocolate-health-benefits_n_1383372.html" target="_hplink">click here</a>. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/cursedthing/" target="_hplink">cursedthing</a></em>

Edamame

This green soy bean is packed to the gills with important nutrients like folate, protein, magnesium, potassium and fiber, Heller says, estimating that "one half a cup has about 8 grams of protein." And studies have shown that soy-containing foods -- such as tofu and edamame -- may even be able to protect the body from diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease, Heller says. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/joyosity/" target="_hplink">joyosity</a></em>

Eggs

"Eggs provide perfect protein in a nutrient-rich, low-calorie, low-fat package," Katz says. That's because they are <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/egg-nutrition" target="_hplink">full of choline</a> -- which is good for memory -- as well as the vision protectors lutein and zeaxanthin, Harvard Medical School says. Eggs <em>do</em> contain cholesterol -- about 212 milligrams per large egg, according to <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/egg-nutrition" target="_hplink">Harvard Medical School</a> -- but the Mayo Clinic points out that having <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/HQ00608/" target="_hplink">four egg yolks a week</a> doesn't seem to have an effect in increasing heart disease risk or most people. Eggs' "dietary cholesterol is of limited, if any, importance," Katz says. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/donutgirl/" target="_hplink">telepathicparanoia</a></em>

Flax Seed

Flax seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and <a href="http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/lignans/" target="_hplink">lignans</a> (a phytonutrient linked with lower risks of heart disease and possibly some cancers), Katz says. HuffPost blogger Kathy Freston, a health activist and author, notes in a past blog post that the abundant amount of fiber in flax seed <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/lean-challenge_b_1432764.html" target="_hplink">makes you feel full faster</a> <em>and</em> keeps blood sugar stable. Freston notes in her blog post that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/lean-challenge_b_1432764.html" target="_hplink">flaxseeds can be purchased ground</a> or whole (and you can grind them on your own in a coffee grinder) and then added to foods like oatmeal, salads or smoothies.

Ginger

A "superstar of Traditional Chinese Medicine," ginger root can be consumed as a tea (from boiled root) or eaten sliced as part of a dish, according to Fitzgerald. "Ginger has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, can help with nausea and digestive challenges [and] possesses anti-viral properties," she says. The National Institutes of Health also notes that ginger -- fresh dried, and/or juiced-- can also be <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/961.html" target="_hplink">used to treat migraines</a>, toothache, rheumatism, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, stomach pain and burns. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/dinnerseries/" target="_hplink">Dinner Series</a></em>

Greek Yogurt

Even though Greek yogurt is trendy right now, it <em>does</em> live up to its nutritional name, says Diekman. Greek yogurt provides "a good dose of protein and is an important source of calcium, potassium and phosphorous." In fact, the amount of protein obtained from Greek yogurt is actually twice that of traditional yogurt, Joy Bauer notes. However, U.S. News reports that Greek yogurt <em>does</em> have a significant fat content, with 16 grams of saturated fat in a six-ounce full-fat Greek yogurt from Fage. Therefore, to decrease fat intake, it may be wise to <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diet/articles/2011/09/30/greek-yogurt-vs-regular-yogurt-which-is-more-healthful" target="_hplink">choose low-fat or nonfat options</a>.

Green Tea

Green tea, made of unfermented tea leaves, has the highest amount of polyphenols -- a kind of plant-derived antioxidant -- compared to other teas, Politi says. These antioxidants keep the heart and brain healthy, and even protect against cancer. Recently, a study in <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/content/95/3/732" target="_hplink">the <em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em></a> showed that elderly people who made <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/green-tea-functioning-old-age_n_1258028.html" target="_hplink">green tea consumption</a> a part of regular life were also more likely to retain their independence and not have "functional disability." Studies have also shown that drinking <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm" target="_hplink">three cups of green tea a day</a> can decrease heart attack rate by 11 percent, and that it can also raise levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, the University of Maryland Medical Center reported. Other research has linked drinking green tea with lower levels of bladder, breast and colorectal cancer. <em>Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mckaysavage/" target="_hplink">mckaysavage</a></em>

Kale

This dark leafy green is <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/hq01596/nsectiongroup=2" target="_hplink">loaded with calcium</a>, which is good for bone and teeth health. "Kale contains most of the important vitamins and minerals needed to help the body grow and work the way it should," say experts at the Penn Institute On Aging. "Vitamins help resist infections, keep nerves healthy, and help the body get energy from food or blood to clot properly."

Kefir

Kefir is a probiotic drink made of milk, typically from cows or goats, that has been fermented with kefir grains. Forberg notes that the beverage is a "scrumptious source of calcium, protein and probiotics to aid our digestion," and is also a welcome substitute in smoothies for milk or yogurt. Studies have shown that probiotics can improve our health by amping up the immune system and fighting infections. For the complete guide to probiotics, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/15/probiotic-remedies_n_1507166.html" target="_hplink">click here</a>.

Lentils

Think you need meat to fulfill your protein requirements? Think again. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/vegetarian-protein-sources_n_1539928.html#slide=1013134" target="_hplink">As The Huffington Post reported</a> earlier this month, just a cup of lentils is loaded with 18 grams of protein (about the same amount as three ounces of steak). That means lentils have enough high quality protein to substitute for meat in your diet, Katz says. And when that protein is combined with the fiber in lentils, it becomes a "dynamic duo" for satiety, Zeid explains. "Not only do they fill you up and give you the unique combination of complex carbohydrates -- essential fuel that your body and brain rely on -- and protein," she says, "but they also provide valuable vitamins and minerals including folate, manganese, thiamin, potassium and copper." They may also lower LDL (or bad cholesterol), raise HDL (good cholesterol) and lower heart disease, according to Zeid.

Oatmeal

This breakfast superstar is a great source of soluble fiber, Diekman says -- and that means it keeps you full way past the morning hours. Oatmeal is also a proven <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108102225.htm" target="_hplink">cholesterol reducer</a>. Oats are additionally a solid source of vitamins B1, B2 and E, and minerals zinc and iron, Politi says. Added bonus? Diekman points out that oatmeal tastes great with berries and walnuts as toppings, both of which are on the list in their own right.

Olive Oil

This heart-healthy oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids (also known as MUFAs), which, according to experts at the Penn Institute on Aging, provide energy and keep you feeling fuller longer. MUFAs are among the so-called healthy class of fats that might lower risk of heart disease. "For instance, MUFAs may lower your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels," <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01037" target="_hplink">Donald Hensrud, M.D. told the Mayo Clinic</a>, pointing out that these fats might also help with clotting. "And some research shows that MUFAs may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have Type 2 diabetes." Just remember that olive oil isn't low-cal (one tablespoon has <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2" target="_hplink">119 calories</a>) so stick with a drizzle to max out your benefits without overdoing it on your calorie count.

Oranges

Oranges (and their other citrus cousins, like grapefruit) are a solid source of fiber, folate, antioxidants, photochemicals and, of course, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/vitamin-c-foods_n_1457397.html" target="_hplink">vitamin C</a>, Wixom says. And, in turn, vitamin C is important for immune function, wound healing and as an aid in iron absorption, she explains.

Pistachios

"Not only do they taste great, but they fill you up because of their protein and fiber content," Zied says of these little green nuts. She also points out that they make a good source of nutrients such as vitamin B6, thiamin, copper and phosphorous, as well as some potassium. Pistachios also rank high for antioxidant content, Zied says, and several studies have linked them to heart health (including new research recently <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=pistachios hypertension" target="_hplink">published in the journal <em>Hypertension</em></a>, suggesting that the nut might reduce blood pressure when under stress).

Pomegranate

These tasty little seeds pack a powerful punch of antioxidants to promote heart health, Forberg says. Pomegranate is also a good source of dietary fiber, folate, vitamin C and vitamin K, <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2038/2" target="_hplink">according to Self Nutrition Data</a>. Forberg suggests adding them to cereal, using them to top off a salad, squeezing the juice into a cocktail or just snacking on them plain.

Potatoes

Potatoes get a bad rap -- and for good reason when they're fried up or slathered in butter. But in their pure form, spuds can actually find a place in a healthy diet. According to Zied, potatoes are, "rich in complex carbohydrates, relatively low in calories, and virtually free of fat, cholesterol and sodium." They're also rich in vitamin C, B and potassium -- and the skins contain dietary fiber that helps to fill you up, she explains. One small, preliminary 2011 study also found that purple potatoes might help to lower blood pressure, maybe even as much as oatmeal, <a href="http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2011-09-01/Potatoes-especially-purple-may-help-lower-blood-pressure/50218024/1" target="_hplink"><em>USA Today</em> reported</a> when the findings were released.

Quinoa

According to Forberg, quinoa is easy to prepare and versatile -- it works in everything from breakfast to dinner. And it's healthy, to boot. Forberg calls quinoa a "powerhouse of nutrition," as well as a "complete protein." <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10352/2" target="_hplink">According to Self Nutrition Data</a>, it's also a solid source of magnesium, phosphorus and especially manganese.

Red Wine

Cheers to this one: according to Young, red wine (and red grapes) contain <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089/" target="_hplink">resveratrol</a>, a compound that acts as an antioxidant and might even reduce inflammation and blood clot formation. Not bad for 100 calories in a four ounce serving (just remember that <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm/#moderateDrinking" target="_hplink">experts typically define</a> moderate drinking as one glass a day for women and two for men -- anything beyond that can cause health problems). On top of these red wine-specific perks, alcohol in general has been found to boost our good cholesterol, or HDL, Politi points out.

Salmon

Salmon was perhaps one of the most popular items among our experts -- almost all of them recommended including it. As Katz puts it, this fish superstar is a "delicious source of great protein and concentrated omega 3," he says. "What more needs to be said?" Forberg explains that those omega 3s make you healthy from the inside out, promoting heart health, brain health, soft skin and shiny hair. For more on how to pick the healthiest salmon (wild vs. farmed, frozen vs. fresh, etc.), check out <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eatingwell/buying-salmon_b_1387686.html" target="_hplink">this piece from our partner</a>, <em>EatingWell</em>.

Sardines

Nutritionist and author Dr. Jonny Bowden, author of "The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth," <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/the-11-best-foods-you-arent-eating/" target="_hplink">once told the <em>New York Times</em> that sardines</a> are basically "health food in a can." These little fish (their name, <a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400957/Herring-or-Sardines.html" target="_hplink">in fact, means "small fish"</a>) are among the best sources of Omega-3 fats, <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/healthy_sardine_recipes" target="_hplink">according to <em>Eating Well</em></a>, with a full 1,950 mg per three ounce serving. And Omega-3s, in turn, help with <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/questions/omega-3/index.html" target="_hplink">blood clotting and support healthy brain function</a>, among other health benefits. Sardines also <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/finfish-and-shellfish-products/4114/2" target="_hplink">pack a healthy punch</a> of niacin, calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium. Added bonus? <a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400957/Herring-or-Sardines.html" target="_hplink">HuffPost blogger Dr. Andrew Weil points out on his website</a> that because sardines are closer to the bottom of the food chain, they don't have the same contaminants found in larger fish.

Seaweed

"This is my favorite low-calorie food for when I'm craving something salty and crunchy," Heather Bauer says. She explains that it's packed with vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and iodine, which helps to regulate and maintain the health of the thyroid. <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720142346.htm" target="_hplink">According to an article last year in Science Daily</a>, researchers have targeted seaweed, which has been eaten for centuries in other parts of the world, as a possible rich source of bioactive peptides: <blockquote>Maria Hayes and colleagues Ciar?n Fitzgerald, Eimear Gallagher and Deniz Tasdemir note increased interest in using bioactive peptides, now obtained mainly from milk products, as ingredients in so-called functional foods. Those foods not only provide nutrition, but have a medicine-like effect in treating or preventing certain diseases. </blockquote> Seaweed is low-cal, too -- most brands have fewer than 50 calorie per package, according to Bauer. For more on the nutrition benefits of various types, <a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Different-Types-of-Seaweed-Nutritional-Benefits-of-Seaweed" target="_hplink">click over to this list</a> from Oprah.com.

Shiitake Mushrooms

?"This delicacy has been shown to lower cholesterol and improve the immune response," says Fitzgerald. "Shiitake contains a compound lentinan, which has been found to have powerful anti-cancer properties." ? Lentinan is believed to <a href="http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/shiitake-mushroom" target="_hplink">stop or slow tumor growth</a>, according to the American Cancer Society. At least one clinical trial found lentinan, in conjunction with chemotherapy, helped stomach and colorectal cancer patients live longer. Animal studies, such as a study in mice that found lentinan in high purity <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12470439" target="_hplink">reduced the size of colon cancer tumors</a>, have shown even more promising results, according to the ACS.

Skim Milk

While the taste can take some adjusting to if you're used to a richer milk, the fat-free variety is "low in calories while rich in several nutrients that are low in many Americans' diets," says Johnson, like calcium, vitamin D and potassium. ? And a recent study found that people who eat and drink low-fat dairy products, including skim milk, have a <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2012/04/20/skim-milk-drinkers-rejoice-you-may-have-a-lower-stroke-risk/" target="_hplink">lower stroke risk</a> than people who eat high-fat dairy foods.

Spinach

This leafy green, along with kale (also on our list), is rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which keep eyesight sharp, says Joy Bauer. It's also <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16210712" target="_hplink">full of vitamin A</a> and packs a serious calcium punch, with <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3234?fg=&man=&lfacet=&count=&max=&qlookup=&offset=&sort=&format=Abridged&_action_show=Apply+Changes&Qv=1.8&Q5985=1.0" target="_hplink">245 milligrams in a cup</a> of the cooked stuff, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/25/calcium-food-sources_n_1451010.html" target="_hplink">almost as much as a glass of milk</a>. A half-cup of cooked, fresh spinach also contains <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html" target="_hplink">3.2 milligrams of iron</a> -- more than beef -- according to the CDC. (Keep in mind, however, that non-heme sources of iron don't absorb as easily, so eat your spinach with some vitamin-C-rich foods to make them more bioavailable.)

Strawberries

These sweet red berries are low in calories and rich in fiber, says Johnson. Plus, they are packed with vitamin C: one serving (147 grams) contains <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2486" target="_hplink">over 86 milligrams</a>?-- <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/vitamin-c-foods_n_1457397.html#slide=911247" target="_hplink">more than an orange</a> and even more than one day's recommended amount, she says. Strawberries have also been linked to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/cognitive-impairment-study-berries_n_1453557.html" target="_hplink">slower cognitive decline in older adults</a> and may protect the stomach in a way that could be used to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091541.htm" target="_hplink">treat stomach ulcers</a>.

Sunflower Sprouts

"An ideal addition to salads to provide a different flavor, they have a great nutty taste that'll add some kick to your greens," says Heather Bauer. "They're loaded with health-boosting components such as chlorophyll, antioxidants and vitamin D for bone and muscle health. In addition, they contain tons of digestive enzymes, crucial for GI health." ? Sprouts in general may fight certain cancers, <a href="http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-08-19/science/27973728_1_alfalfa-sprouts-hot-flashes-health-benefits" target="_hplink">help with menopause symptoms</a> and lower cholesterol, among other benefits, according to the <em>Times Of India</em>. However, they have taken some heat for possible involvement in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-goldwyn/sprouts-e-coli-risk_b_875103.html" target="_hplink">recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses</a>.

Sweet Potatoes

?"Sweet potatoes boast vitamin A and beta carotene, which makes them effective weapons to help keep your immune system strong," says Zied. They're also a good source of fiber, folate and potassium, adds Wixom. ? They can additionally give your skin a boost. Beta carotene <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/blogs/healthybites/2009/09/recipe-roundup-the-sweet-potat.html" target="_hplink">jumpstarts skin cell production</a>, helping repair damage and leaving you looking silkier. ? But don't confuse them with yams. Turns out, the two aren't even related. In most cases, the orangey starch you're used to seeing labels "yams" is just <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/difference-between-sweet-potatoes-and-yams_n_1097840.html" target="_hplink">a sweet potato by the wrong name</a>.

Tomatoes

Full of vitamin C and low in calories, tomatoes are also "rich in lycopene, which may help fight cancer," says Young. Lycopene, a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/20/foods-for-longevity_n_1612828.html#slide=1146882" target="_hplink">fat-soluble nutrient</a>,?has been shown to help <a href="http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/lycopene" target="_hplink">fight prostate, lung and stomach cancers</a> in particular, according to the ACS.

Turmeric

"Known for its significant anti-inflammatory properties, this root may provide <a href="http://cms.herbalgram.org/press/2010/TurmericBenefitsOsteoarthritis.html?t=1285777112" target="_hplink">relief for those with arthritis</a>," says Fitzgerald, as well as diabetes, allergies and Alzheimer's. "The <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16219905" target="_hplink">anti-cancer properties</a> of this popular Indian spice are impressive." ? Among those properties: University of Texas studies found that curcumin, the main component of turmeric, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/turmeric-health-have-a-happy-new-year_b_798328.html" target="_hplink">stopped skin cancer growth</a> and slowed the spread of breast cancer to the lungs. It may also increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation. ? Plus, spices in general are smarter ways to add flavor to dishes than adding salt or fat.

Tuna?

While you might think of sardines or salmon first when you consider healthy, fatty fish, tuna is not to be forgotten. It's a smart <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/iron-in-foods-the-best-di_n_1316332.html#s747030&title=Fish" target="_hplink">source of iron</a>, <a href="http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/4563" target="_hplink">protein</a> and <a href="http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/Fish/HealthBenefits.aspx" target="_hplink">omega 3's</a>, which keep your brain functioning properly and reduce the risk of heart problems, among other benefits. ? Just be sure to look for <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eatingwell/healthy-fish_b_1387875.html" target="_hplink"><em>albacore</em> tuna that's been troll- or pole-caught</a> in the U.S. or British Columbia. EatingWell reported smaller, younger fish are usually caught this way, and typically have lower levels of mercury or other unwelcome contaminants. (Albacore is the light-colored tuna most often found in cans.)

Walnuts

These nuts are "the one nut that is a good source of omega-3 oil," says Katz, notably <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/20/foods-for-longevity_n_1612828.html#slide=1146884" target="_hplink">alpha linolenic acid (ALA)</a>, which has been linked to decreasing inflammation. ?They also contain fiber and an array of vitamins, he adds, plus protein Young points out. ? "Walnuts made history in 2004 when they became the first food that the FDA allowed to make a qualified health claim," says Fitzgerald. "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low-saturated-fat and low-cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake, <a href="http://www.walnuts.org/walnuts/index.cfm/health-professionals/walnuts-and-health/heart-health/" target="_hplink">may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease</a>."

Water

Don't underestimate the power of a simple glass of water. Soaking up 91 ounces (women) or 125 ounces (men) a day <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/28/how-much-water-urine-color-chart_n_1305129.html" target="_hplink">keeps skin smooth</a> and memory sharp, <a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/water-health/water-body-health.aspx" target="_hplink">protects the joints</a> and can even help you <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/23/drink.water.lose.weight/index.html" target="_hplink">shed those couple extra pounds</a>. ? Not to mention, the body couldn't perform a number of key processes without H20. "Water helps the body digest food, absorb nutrients from food and then get rid of the unused waste," according to experts from the Penn Instutute on Aging. They also point out you don't only have to drink it -- there is plenty of water in high-water-content foods like <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/6-hydrating-foods_n_1297196.html" target="_hplink">watermelon and cucumbers</a> and in other liquids, too. ? And did we mention it's the only food or drink with absolutely zero calories.

White Tea

"Black, green and white teas contain antioxidants?called flavonoids that studies suggest may have strong anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, be protective against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes," says Heller. "Just don't load your tea up with sugar and cream!" ? White tea in particular may have a <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits" target="_hplink">more powerful anticancer punch</a>, according to WebMD. That may be at least in part due to its higher concentration of antioxidants compared to green tea, Katz explains. "Green tea is made from the mature leaves; white tea from the buds before the leaves unfold," he says. ? White tea's anti-inflammatory properties may also help <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits" target="_hplink">reduce wrinkles and fight rheumatoid arthritis</a>, according to a 2009 study.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/29/healthy-food-healthiest-list_n_1636409.html

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Obama Views Wildfire Damage In Swing State Colorado

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, June 28, 2012. Colorado Springs officials said Thursday that hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti)

A helicopters flies over as the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A helicopter flies over as the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents.(AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A slurry bomber drops fire retardant on the Waldo Canyon Fire Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

The sun sets on the front range where the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Pikes Peak is shrouded in orange smoke as the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to burn Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

This aerial photo taken on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, shows burned homes in the Mountain Shadows residential area of Colorado Springs, Colo., that were destroyed by the Waldo Canyon wildfire. More than 30,000 have been displaced by the fire, including thousands who frantically packed up belongings Tuesday night after it barreled into neighborhoods in the foothills west and north of Colorado's second-largest city. (AP Photo/John Wark)

A helicopter flies past the charred mountainside above Queens Canyon as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

A plume of smoke rises from Ute Pass in the direction of Woodland Park as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

A helicopter heads out for a drop to battle the Waldo Canyon Fire north and west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

After being grounded for hours by high winds, a helicopter takes off to battle the Waldo Canyon Fire north and west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A helicopter drops water as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Helicopters fly over as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

A helicopter drops water as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Small fires smolder in the Mountain Shadows area as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Some homes are left scorched by The Waldo Canyon Fire, while others survived, in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colo., Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The wildfire doubled in size overnight to about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), and has so far forced mandatory evacuations for more than 32,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

Parkside neighborhood in Mt. Shadows. Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4167559318285&set=a.1042850282512.8779.1563250549&type=1&theater" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>.

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A plume of smoke rises behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. A large number of homes were destroyed by the fire Tuesday night in subdivisions west of Colorado Springs. Authorities say it remains too dangerous for them to fully assess the damage from a destructive wildfire threatening Colorado's second-largest city. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Homes are destroyed by the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. A stubborn and towering wildfire jumped firefighters' perimeter lines in the hills overlooking Colorado Springs, forcing frantic mandatory evacuation notices for more than 9,000 residents. (AP Photo/The Gazette,Jerilee Bennett)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

Western Wild Fires

Flames and smoke from the Waldo Canyon Fire surround a home as it races down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 leaving a trail of destruction and burning homes and buildings in it's path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

CO Wildfire 2012

Veiw from Garden of Gods Road

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

Western Wild Fires

Flames of the Waldo Canyon Fire races down into western portions of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26, 201. The flames approach a residential neighborhood heading north and leaving a trail of destruction, burning homes and buildings in it's path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Western Wild Fires

Flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire move quickly move through the western side Colorado Springs, Colo. causing several structures and homes to burn on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The fire made a massive run late in the day leaving a trail of destruction, and burning homes and buildings in it's path. Heavily populated areas in the fire's path have been affected. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

The Waldo Canyon Fire begins to burn homes north of Garden of the Gods Road in northwest Colorado Springs, Colo., on the fourth day of the blaze Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Houses in the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colorado ignite due to the Waldo Canyon fire on Wednesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A helicopter tries to put out fire on the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A plume of smoke is seen over Interstate 25 as the Waldo Canyon wildfire moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A helicopter tries to put out fire on the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

Fire from the Waldo Canyon wildfire burns as it moved into subdivisions and destroyed homes in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler)

A plane flies through a rising plume of smoke from the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A helicopter battles the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire, Rich Brown

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Rich Brown, right, speaks at a briefing on the Waldo Canyon wildfire in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Authorities say it remains too dangerous for them to fully assess the damage from a destructive wildfire threatening Colorado's second-largest city. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Mitch Rowley, a firefighter with the the Colorado Springs Fire Department Task Force I unit, keeps an eye on the Waldo Canyon Fire from a northwestern neighborhood in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

People watch from Mesa Road as the Waldo Canyon Fire burns near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A helicopter and another aircraft battle the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A helicopter battles the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A firefighting helicopter flies over burned trees as it goes to refill its bucket while fighting the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

The Waldo Canyon wildfire blazes through tree tops west of Manitou Springs, Colo., Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A plume of smoke rises above the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Monday afternoon, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least eight wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A plume of smoke rises above the Waldo Canyon fire west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

A helicopter drops water on a wildfire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Susan Fox and her daughter Kaylehana, 4, watch the Waldo Canyon Fire burn near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire

A raven sits in a barren tree as the sun sets near a wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire

Manitou Springs residents try to return home after being evacuated as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire

Smoke clouds Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire

The sun sets as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Susannah Kay)

Waldo Canyon Fire

People watch from Mesa Road as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Susannah Kay)

Waldo Canyon Fire

The sun sets as seen from Lower Gold Camp Road as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Susannah Kay)

A wildfire burns by Cedar Heights, a gated community near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

Waldo Canyon wildfire

Fire burns behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. As many as 5,000 people are still evacuated from their homes because of the fire that began Saturday. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Waldo Canyon wildfire

Fire burns behind homes on the Waldo Canyon wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. As many as 5,000 people are still evacuated from their homes because of the fire that began Saturday. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Waldo Canyon Fire

A helicopter heads towards a reservoir in the Kissing Camels Resort to collect water in efforts to fight the Waldo Canyon Fire on Monday, June 25, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/The Gazette, Susannah Kay)

Waldo fire. Image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=410534478990030&set=p.410534478990030&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">via Facebook</a>.

Waldo Fire. Image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4168552299248&set=p.4168552299248&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">via Facebook</a>.

Traffic moves as smoke billows from a wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire has grown to an estimated 600 acres and The Gazette reports authorities are evacuating the exclusive Cedar Heights neighborhood as well as the Garden of the Gods nature center. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Stephanie Stover, with the City of Colorado Springs, directs traffic away after a mandatory evacuation was announced for the Garden of The Gods due to a wildfire burning west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire has grown to an estimated 600 acres and The Gazette reports authorities are evacuating the exclusive Cedar Heights neighborhood as well as the Garden of the Gods. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Colorado Springs Fire

Colorado Springs Fire

The evening sky glows orange as smoke and flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire has consumed 2500 acres west of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire is zero percent contained. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were taking place across the west side of Colorado Springs. Tankers were dropping fire retardant in front of the advancing flames. ( AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Colorado Springs Fire

A giant plume from the Waldo Canyon Fire hovers high above Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire is zero percent contained and has consumed 2500 acres. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were taking place across the west side of Colorado Springs. Tankers were dropping fire retardant in front of the advancing flames. ( AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A slurry plane flies through smoke from a wildfire burning west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Smoke billows from a wildfire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Smoke billows from a wildfire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Smoke billows from a wildfire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Smoke billows from a wildfire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Smoke billows from a wildfire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A helicopter drops water on a wildfire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A wildfire burns west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Smoke billows from a wildfire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. On Saturday, a blaze destroyed 21 structures near the mountain community of Estes Park. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A helicopter flies over a wildfire burning west of Manitou Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock)

A helicopter battles a wildfire near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

A wildfire burns near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire

A deer jumps through a fence along U.S. Highway 24 near Manitou Springs, Colo., as a wildfire burns near Cascade, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire, Manitou Springs

The Waldo Canyon wildfire burns on a ridge west of Manitou Springs, Colo., Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Waldo Canyon Wildfire, Manitou Springs

The Waldo Canyon wildfire burns on a ridge west of Manitou Springs, Colo., Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

Ken Anderson, a firefighter with the the Colorado Springs Fire Department Task Force I unit, takes a weather reading as large plume of smoke rises from the Waldo Canyon Fire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Simon Wach, right, his sister Susan Fox and her daughter Karalea watch a plume of smoke rise from the Waldo Canyon Fire burning near Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado as of Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon fire evacuee Amanda Hughes plays a game in the gymnasium at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire evacuees Tim and Amanda Hughes play games in the gymnasium at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire evacuee Michelle Hughes uses a computer at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon fire evacuee Terry Jackson tends to his two-month old daughter Serenity at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Geraldine Webb, of Manitous Springs, Colo., receives lunch at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire evacuee Teresa Gray, center, makes a plate of food for her husband Sherman at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire evacuees line up for lunch at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Waldo Canyon Fire evacuees line up for lunch at Cheyenne Mountain High School evacuation center in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Monday, June 25, 2012. The Waldo Canyon fire, one of at least a half-dozen wildfires in Colorado on Monday, has blackened 5.3 square miles and displaced about 6,000 people since it started Saturday, June 23, but no homes have been destroyed. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Colo. fires

"This is a photo of the home my brother built himself N of Ft. Collins, CO., 9500ft up the mountain. You see nothing is left." -- Nancy Lit Image courtesy of Nancy Lit

Firefighter Helicopter Filling Up At Lake Estes

Fighting Woodland Heights Fire in Estes Park CO while the High Park Fire rages in the background

A wildfire burns near Cascade, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Waldo Canyon Fire

People watch from Lower Gold Camp Road as a wildfire continues to burn west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted Saturday and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Susannah Kay)

Christina Morris watches from Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., as a wildfire burns nearby on Sunday, June 24, 2012. Morris began to prepare in the event she and her family, who live near Garden of the Gods Road, need to evacuate. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

Animals from evacuated areas of Colorado Springs, Colo., are housed at the local Humane Society on Sunday, June 24, 2012, as a wildfire continues to burn nearby. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

Greg Bodine hugs his wife, Karen Bodine, as they watch a wildfire burn from the roof of her parents' home in Cascade, Colo., on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The fire erupted and grew out of control to more than 3 square miles early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and an unknown number of tourists. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Estes Park Wildfire

In this Saturday, June 23, 2012 photo provided by Darrell Spangler, a firefighter works the scene of a home being consumed by flames in Estes Park, Colo. As many as 21 structures were destroyed by the fire on Saturday. Eight separate wildfires are burning across Colorado, which is seeing record-breaking heat. (AP Photo/Darrell Spangler) MANDATORY CREDIT

Estes Park Wildfire

In this Saturday, June 23, 2012 photo provided by Darrell Spangler, fire consumes a home in Estes Park, Colo. As many as 21 structures were destroyed by the fire on Saturday. Eight separate wildfires are burning across Colorado, which is seeing record-breaking heat. (AP Photo/Darrell Spangler) MANDATORY CREDIT

Estes Park Wildfire

A U.S. Forest Service truck heads down Larimer County Road 74W as a wildfire continues to burn near Livermore, Colo., on Saturday, June 23, 2012. Authorities sent out 992 evacuation notices Friday due to the wildfire burning on more than 100 square miles in northern Colorado as winds pick up. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A flower stands along Larimer County Road 74W as a wildfire continues to burn near Livermore, Colo., on Saturday, June 23, 2012. Authorities sent out 992 evacuation notices Friday due to the wildfire burning on more than 100 square miles in northern Colorado as winds pick up. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Smoke billows from a wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire has grown to an estimated 600 acres and The Gazette reports authorities are evacuating the exclusive Cedar Heights neighborhood as well as the Garden of the Gods nature center. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

Smoke billows from a wildfire west of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The fire has grown to an estimated 600 acres and The Gazette reports authorities are evacuating the exclusive Cedar Heights neighborhood as well as the Garden of the Gods nature center. (AP Photo/Bryan Oller)

High Park Wildfire

High Park Wildfire

The sun sets behind a plume of smoke from the High Park wildfire near Livermore , Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

High Park Wildfire

A slurry bomber drops retardant on the High Park wildfire after it crossed to the north side of Poudre Canyon and threatened homes in the Glacier View area near Livermore , Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

High Park Wildfire

Fire burns behind homes north of Poudre Canyon in the Glacier View area near Livermore, Colo., on Friday, June 22, 2012. The fire is burning on more than 68,000 acres west of Fort Collins and has destroyed at least 189 homes (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

In a photo made on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, and made available on Wednesday by the Colorado National Guard, firefighters from the Monument, Colo., fire department march to dinner at sunset in a base camp near the High Park wildfire about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo.(AP Photo/Colorado National Guard, John Rohrer)

In this June 19, 2012 photo provided by the Colorado National Guard, an aircraft drops a load of fire retardant slurry above the High Park wildfire about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. The ammonium phosphate dropped from airplanes to slow the spread of raging wildfires can turn a pristine mountain stream into a death zone for trout and some say the retardant has never been proven effective. (AP Photo/Colorado National Guard, John Rohrer)

Leadville fire. Image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150995380666749&set=o.263743636076&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">via Facebook</a>.

Leadville fire. Image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150984157103076&set=p.10150984157103076&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">via Facebook</a>.

Estes Park fire. Image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3749510029298&set=p.3749510029298&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">via Facebook</a>.

Mancos fire. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=140838636053743&set=o.263743636076&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">Image via Facebook</a>.

Mancos fire. Image<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2894645984892&set=p.2894645984892&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink"> via Facebook</a>.

Pyramid fire. Image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151039306431181&set=p.10151039306431181&type=1&ref=nf" target="_hplink">via Facebook</a>.

Flagstaff Fire

Boulder Flagstaff Fire from Daniel's Park

Smoke into clouds

The Waldo Fire in Colorado Springs has caused an amazing amount of smoke.

Front Range Flames

Flames approached urban Colorado Springs on June 26, burning the Flying W Ranch and dozens of homes to the ground.

Apocalyptic

Colorado Springs, June 26

just like in hell

Colo Spgs fire

terrible but beautiful

Colo Spgs fire

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/29/obama-colorado_n_1637065.html

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