A destructive wildfire burning in southern Colorado has forced thousands of residents to evacuate and destroyed more than 160 structures, becoming the state’s top priority for firefighting resources. The Aspen Acres Fire, burning in Pueblo and Custer counties about 15 miles northwest of Colorado City, has grown to more than 66,000 acres since igniting on Monday, June 29, with zero containment as of Friday morning.
The fire has forced mandatory evacuations in multiple communities, including the towns of Beulah, Rye, Wetmore, San Isabel, and Colorado City. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office reported that more than 2,700 homes have been evacuated, affecting thousands of residents who have fled the rapidly advancing flames. The fire has destroyed about 180 structures, with authorities expecting that number to rise significantly as teams conduct full damage assessments once it becomes safe to enter affected neighborhoods.
The fire began early Monday morning near the Aspen Acres Campground in Custer County and spread rapidly across rough, mountainous terrain. Conditions have been extreme, with sustained winds exceeding 30 miles per hour, single-digit humidity levels, and record-low fuel moisture in the vegetation. Fire officials say the blaze is human-caused but have not released additional details about their ongoing investigation.
The explosive growth of the Aspen Acres Fire has made it Colorado’s largest active wildfire and the nation’s top firefighting priority. Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency on June 29, which led the Federal Emergency Management Agency to authorize federal funds to cover 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. Polis visited the affected areas on Thursday to meet with residents who lost their homes and to thank first responders.
More than 300 firefighters are currently working the fire, with hundreds more arriving from across the country. An Alaska-based incident management team assumed command of the fire response. Officials expect a total of 750 to 1,000 firefighters will be engaged in the coming days. Additional resources include 14 large air tankers, including 100 engines arriving from California, and crews from Tennessee. The historic Horseshoe Lodge in Pueblo Mountain Park sustained significant damage in the fire.
The fire poses a threat to several landmarks and populated areas. It is currently burning about two miles from Bishop Castle, a popular tourist attraction in the region. The town of Beulah is nearly surrounded by the fire, and officials have been unable to assess conditions there. Multiple highways remain closed due to the fire, including portions of Colorado highways 78, 96, and 165.
The disaster has upended countless lives in the region. Families who evacuated in a matter of hours lost homes, possessions, and family heirlooms. Many residents lack adequate insurance coverage for their losses. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross have established evacuation centers at multiple locations, including the Pueblo County Recreation Center and Pathfinder Park in Florence, where people can access shelter, food, mental health services, and other assistance.
The extreme fire conditions are expected to persist through the holiday weekend. A red flag warning remains in effect with temperatures forecast to exceed 100 degrees, humidity in the single digits, and sustained winds with gusts up to 35 miles per hour on ridge tops. Fire officials emphasize that conditions are unlike anything experienced in recent memory, with some personnel noting the intensity and erratic nature of the fire behavior.
Colorado’s fire division director Mike Morgan stressed to residents the importance of avoiding any activities that could spark additional wildfires. He noted that firefighting resources are finite, and any new ignitions would draw personnel and equipment away from the Aspen Acres Fire response. With 15 wildfires currently burning across Colorado, the state’s firefighting capability is stretched to its limit.
Officials estimate that damage assessments will take several days before evacuees can return to their homes. Until then, residents remain at evacuation centers or staying with family and friends, uncertain whether their homes will still be standing when they’re finally allowed to return.