Christian publishers and CBA in Colorado Springs, Colo., have been impacted by a massive wildfire that began Tuesday, June 11, forcing the evacuation of more than 38,000 people and destroying 360-plus homes.

More than 15,000 acres in the Black Forest area, located outside Colorado Springs, had burned and the blaze, the most destructive in state history, was not contained at all, USA Today reported. The cause of the fire was unknown, but there was no evidence of lightning strikes in the area. Firefighters engaging the blaze—one of three burning out of control across Colorado—were hampered by high temperatures and stiff winds, USA Today reported.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Publicity Manager Beverly Rykerd told Christian Retailing that the company's offices were closed today, although the building was part of a voluntary evacuation area. WaterBrook Multnomah has a staff of 45 people in Colorado Springs.

"Several staff members live in areas that are currently in either voluntary or evacuation areas," said Rykerd, whose home is in a evacuation area. "It is an evolving situation. It has been very encouraging to hear from people offering their prayers and offering their homes as a place to stay. We are grateful and trust in the Lord's protection."

CBA President Curtis Riskey said the Association for Christian Retail stayed open today.

"The fire is mainly located approximately five miles northeast of the CBA offices," he said. "CBA is not in danger of this wildfire. Our CBA team has been impacted and we are awaiting the assessment. We currently don't know for sure [whether any of CBA staff's homes have been lost]. However, we are all grieving the great loss from within our community."

The Black Forest fire was not far from the location of last June's devastating Waldo Canyon Fire that destroyed 346 homes and killed two, USA Today reported.

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