Aspen Acres

Fire activity remains minimal as crews focus on suppression repair

The Aspen Acres Fire is burning in the San Isabel National Forest in Custer County near Beulah and northwest of Rye. Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has remained minimal, limited to smoldering and isolated interior heat pockets southwest of Lake Isabel. The fire poses no immediate threat to nearby communities as crews focus on suppression repair across the burn area.

Evacuations and Closures

• The Pike-San Isabel National Forests Aspen Acres Fire Closure Order remains in effect across affected national forest lands as of September 18.
• No evacuation orders or warnings are currently in effect as of September 18.

Impact

The fire caused damage to community infrastructure and recreational areas in Beulah Valley, prompting approved federal disaster assistance for public repairs and debris cleanup. Smoke from residual interior heat pockets remains visible southwest of Lake Isabel. Subsequent rainfall on the steep burn scar continues to pose ongoing hazards of flash flooding, mudslides, and road washouts for surrounding communities.

Conditions and Outlook

Winds will shift from easterly to gusty west-southwest over the coming days, accompanied by patchy fog, rising humidity, and increasing chances of rain showers. Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal with smoldering and creeping in isolated pockets of heat, though gusty winds could cause brief localized flare-ups. Crews plan to continue suppression repair across all divisions to reshape disturbed ground and stabilize drainage.

Cause and Context

Officials determined the fire was human-caused after strong winds pushed power lines into trees near the Aspen Acres Campground on June 29. A federal disaster declaration is providing public assistance for infrastructure recovery, while steep slopes across the burn scar create persistent risks of post-fire flooding and debris flows.

Official updates current through September 20, 2026.