Aspen Acres

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Aspen Acres Fire ignited around 6:00 a.m. on June 29, 2026, approximately 10 miles northwest of Rye, Colorado, in Custer County.
Size and Containment: As of August 24, 2026, the fire has burned 102,004 acres and is 77% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire experienced explosive initial growth driven by severe drought, critically low fuel moisture, and 40+ mph winds with gusts estimated up to 100 mph. It rapidly grew to become the seventh-largest wildfire in Colorado's recorded history.
Containment Efforts: Currently, 157 personnel remain assigned to the fire. Unified command involves the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Huerfano County Sheriff's Dept, U.S. Forest Service (PSICC National Forest), and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Firefighting costs are estimated to reach $120 million, and the state has secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover suppression efforts.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: At the peak of the fire, approximately 11,600 residents across Pueblo, Custer, and Fremont counties were under mandatory evacuation orders. Over the last several weeks, many of these orders have been lifted as containment increased. However, localized mandatory evacuations remain in effect in areas like the San Isabel area (County Road 378) due to severe flash flooding and debris flows near the burn scar.
Evacuation Warnings: Pre-evacuation notices remain in place for several zones surrounding the fire perimeter. Residents are advised to stay ready to leave if fire or flood behavior changes.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Shelters were established at Lange Hall (312 3rd St, Westcliffe), Pathfinder Park (6655 CO-115, Florence), and the Pueblo County Recreation Center (1650 Cooper Place, Pueblo).

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Highway 165 has experienced closures and traffic impacts due to firefighting operations and flooding, with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) actively working to improve water flow in adjacent gullies.
• County Road 378 in the San Isabel area has faced closures due to road and structural damage from flash flooding.
• Residents are advised to check current travel conditions, as debris flows continue to threaten roadways downstream of the burn scar.

For more information, visit:

• Pueblo Emergency Information
• Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
• COtrip Road Conditions

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: One indirect fatality has been reported; a man died earlier this month after being swept away in floodwaters within the Aspen Acres burn area. Additionally, two firefighters have been injured during the response.
Structures Impacted: The fire has been highly destructive, with over 850 structures destroyed across Custer and Pueblo counties, including at least 319 primary homes. The community of Beulah suffered extensive devastation.
School and Business Closures: The disaster has heavily disrupted local economies and businesses, prompting state officials to work with the Small Business Administration to address economic injuries.
Notable Impacts: Over $17.2 million in damage has been inflicted on public infrastructure, including critical electricity and water systems. On August 23, 2026, Governor Jared Polis requested a Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA to provide Individual Assistance for temporary housing and home repairs, noting that state and local resources are nearing exhaustion.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Critical electricity infrastructure has been damaged, leading to ongoing repair and restoration efforts.
Water Safety: Local water systems are currently threatened by severe debris flows and flooding originating from the burn scars.
Burn Bans: Local fire restrictions remain in effect due to the ongoing wildfire season and dry conditions outside the fire perimeter.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has caused periods of poor air quality across southern Colorado. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed when smoke is heavy.
Flooding: The most significant current safety concern is post-fire flooding. The intense heat of the fire left behind water-resistant soil and destroyed vegetation, drastically increasing the risk of flash floods and debris flows downstream.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: At 77% containment, the fire is currently burning in areas further removed from communities and direct threats to homes. Firefighters continue to build and reinforce containment lines, though emergency efforts are now heavily focused on managing the aftermath and severe flood risks.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While the initial extreme winds have subsided, the primary weather warning is now focused on precipitation. Rain over the burn scar continues to trigger dangerous flash flooding and debris flows, which remain a persistent threat to homes, roads, and water systems.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact origin of the Aspen Acres Fire is currently under investigation, though authorities believe it was human-caused.
Weather and Climate: The fire's ignition and rapid spread were fueled by extreme climate conditions, including severe drought, critically low fuel moisture, and intense wind events. Currently, the climate impact is manifesting as extreme post-fire flooding; the intense heat baked the soil into a water-resistant layer, meaning normal rainfall now results in hazardous runoff and debris flows rather than being absorbed into the ground.

For more information, visit:

• Pueblo Emergency Information
• Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
• Colorado Department of Transportation (COtrip)