The foothills southwest of Denver erupted into flames Wednesday forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes.

Firefighters in the region say that hot and windy conditions are making it easy for fires to start. The newest fire near Pine, Colorado is small but a concern to local officials because of large flames and headed toward a ridge.

More than 400 homes were told to evacuate. The same area was hit last year with a fire four miles away from the current fire that destroyed 23 homes.

The wildfire near Colorado Springs is still raging as firefighters face temperatures in the 80s and 30 m.p.h. winds. Over 500 homes have been destroyed since the fire began June 11.

The couple killed in the fire has been identified as Marc and Robin Herklotz. They were found in their garage apparently trying to flee the flames. Their neighbor told FoxNews he had received a call to evacuate but the couple had not received such a call. The couple had worked for Air Force Space Command.

Officials now say the fire is 85% contained and they hope to have it completely under control by the end of the day Thursday. They say they have not been able to determine the source of the fire but stated again they do not believe it was natural causes.