A fast-moving wildfire in the US has destroyed a number of homes in the mountains west of Denver and burned across more than 4.5 square miles amid dry, windy weather.

Columbine High School, site of the US’ deadliest school massacre eight years ago, was evacuated today after officials received at least one call about a bomb threat, authorities said.

An adult gunman took at least four people hostage at the high school in the tiny mountain town of Bailey, Colorado today and several shots were reported fired, authorities said.