Making slow but steady progress against a Colorado wildfire that has killed at least two people, authorities hoped for continued favorable weather and asked for patience from thousands of evacuees who fled encroaching flames that destroyed nearly 350 homes.

From above, the destruction wrought by a raging Colorado wildfire becomes painfully clear: Rows and rows of homes — hundreds in all — reduced to smoldering ashes.

President Barack Obama toured the stricken areas Friday after issuing a disaster declaration for Colorado and thanked firefighters and other emergency workers, saying: “The country is grateful for your work. The country’s got your back.”

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Here is a gallery of photos from the wildfires.