Where once we found comfort in group rituals around a smoky, dim fire in a cave, now many of us put on earbuds to connect emotionally through recorded music with our fellow humans.

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Keith Mussington, a 29-year-old resident on the 10th floor of the building, said the fire caused a smoky condition.

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While Fort Collins was not immediately threatened by the fire, a smoky pall hung over the city of 143, 000, said Stephanie Ashley, a spokeswoman for the Larimer Humane Society.

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Heath and Allen had radioed for a helicopter at least twice when the fire advanced their direction, but when one was finally sent, the area was too smoky to find the men.

MSN: Federal officials investigate Idaho wildfire death