Wildfire leads to economic worries

As crews close in on full containment of a massive wildfire that forced more than 30,000 people from their homes in and around Colorado Springs, some are concerned about the effect the blaze will have on the area's economy.

The Denver Post (http://bit.ly/MNQNH0 ) reports early estimates place the property damage well in excess of $110 million. But Fred Crowley, an economics professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, says the economic impact will be "millions upon millions of dollars."

Already, some hotel owners say business is down and restaurant and tourist shops are seeing little foot traffic. Meanwhile, Michele Starling with Pikes Peak Country Attractions says 10 major tourist destinations lost money when they were forced to close during the height of the fire, which scorched more than 18,000 acres and is 98 percent contained.