BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- Grateful Boulder residents plan a celebratory dinner for firefighters who battled Wednesday's blazes that forced hundreds to evacuate.

Two community groups plan the event featuring food and entertainment Saturday at the Altona Grange building in Boulder. One home burned and several outbuildings were lost as three wildfires erupted while winds gusted to 80 mph. More than 3,000 acres burned.

Organizers say watching firefighters battle high winds and the fast-moving flames was inspirational and the event provides an opportunity for homeowners to greet and thank firefighters for saving their homes.