( CNN ) -- Firefighters on Friday battled a massive wildfire that has so far claimed more than 100 homes in northern Colorado . The High Park Fire has scorched more than 52,000 acres , forced thousands of people to flee and claimed at least one life . The blaze was 15 % contained Friday , up from 10 % on Wednesday . Nick Christensen , an executive officer with the Larimer County Sheriff 's Office , said Friday that 112 homes have been destroyed . Many burned days ago , but authorities are just starting to get into the affected areas to assess the damage , he said . That figure is expected to rise . `` It 's really not just a list of numbers ; these are stories . Each one of these represents a family that 's been displaced from their home -- that may have lost some family heirlooms , some photos , possessions , kids ' toys , '' Christensen said . `` It 's really devastating and sad . '' At least one of the homes belonged to a Larimer County Sheriff 's Office employee , he said . First measured at two acres early last Saturday , the High Park Fire -- which officials say was caused by lightning -- has since grown exponentially . It is about 15 miles west of Fort Collins , Colorado . Hundreds of firefighters have arrived from across the United States to help local departments . Besides the main blaze , they are also battling a 200-acre spot fire , which broke out just north of the burn area . Helicopters flew back and forth Friday , dousing the flames with water . Complicating firefighters ' efforts was a thunderstorm , which brought little rain , but kicked up strong winds , said Brett Haberstick , an incident command spokesman . `` The higher humidities definitely help . It reduces the opportunity for fire to spread . The wind , however , is not a good opportunity , '' he said . Incident meteorologist Dave Lipson forecast a similar thunderstorm Saturday . Sunday should be calm , but Monday and Tuesday could bring gusts of up to 50 miles per hour on exposed ridges , he said .
The fire has scorched more than 52,000 acres west of Fort Collins , Colorado . It is 100 % contained . A hot spot also burned nearby .