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CBS4 On Hand As Gov. Hickenlooper Gets Surprise Call From President

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - President Barack Obama has reinforced his commitment to help Colorado as it battles the most destructive wildfire in state history.

White House officials said Saturday that the president had called Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to get an update on conditions.

The president expressed his concern for the devastation in the conversation Friday. Obama also gave his condolences to families who have lost relatives.

"No, I think we've been great. Secretary Hagle operated in real time to set up a dual process command so we could access the military assets," Hickenlooper told the president. "We were so much better prepared this year and have done such a better job. And you'll be happy to know I'm standing in the rain right now, there's s thunderstorm going by; it's not a huge one but we'll get some rain. Thanks so much for your call and tell everybody back there how grateful we are."

The fire that started Tuesday has destroyed nearly 500 homes and killed two people who appeared to be preparing their car to flee. They have not been identified.

Authorities also are lifting evacuation orders after firefighters made a dramatic advance Friday against the blaze outside of Colorado Springs.

Thousands of people who live nearby where returning to their homes Saturday.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.) 

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