The giant wildfires in the western US were photographed from space

About 350 houses. Most of them in the suburbs of Colorado Springs caught fire and about 35 thousand people were evacuated from their homes. In total, thousands of firefighters are handling about 50 fires throughout the western United States, primarily in Colorado, but also in Montana and Utah and even in far away Hawaii

Huge wildfires continue to rage across the western US.

About 350 houses. Most of them in the suburbs of Colorado Springs caught fire and about 35 thousand people were evacuated from their homes. In total, thousands of firefighters are handling about 50 fires throughout the western United States, primarily in Colorado, but also in Montana and Utah and even in far away Hawaii.

US President Barack Obama arrived in the country over the weekend to inspect the damage and promised federal aid. "The community here is undoubtedly heartbroken by the loss of homes, but we are fortunate because of the quick action that prevented many deaths," said the president.

The fires in places far away from settlements also send plumes of smoke into the sky that can be seen by the astronauts on the International Space Station.

This photo taken by members of the International Space Station's 31st crew on June 27 shows thick smoke drifting northeast from the Fontanelle blaze that is currently igniting areas in Wyoming. More plumes are seen in more northern areas. The Great Salt Lake in Utah, lower right of the photo. Two distinct colors can be distinguished due to the distribution of algae in the lake, which is physically separated by a railroad barrier.