The Aspen Acres wildfire has grown to become one of Colorado’s 10 largest wildfires on record, burning over 85,500 acres across Custer, Pueblo, Fremont, and Huerfano counties and displacing thousands of residents. As of the latest reports, the fire remains zero percent contained, with mandatory evacuations in place for multiple communities, including Beulah, Colorado City, and Wetmore, affecting roughly 11,000 residents.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Aspen Acres Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, expanding rapidly overnight and prompting emergency response efforts. Two multi-engine water-scooping aircraft have been deployed to target the fire’s southern edge, drawing water from Pueblo Reservoir for aerial drops. Meanwhile, air quality alerts remain in effect for Pueblo County and surrounding areas due to heavy smoke pollution, with some regions experiencing unhealthy pollution levels.
Deeper Dive & Context
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
Mandatory evacuations (Level 3) have been issued for:
- Huerfano County: Between the eastern boundary of national forest land and the intersection of CR 670 and CR 660.
- Pueblo County: Including Colorado City, West Hatchett Ranch, Red Creek area, Beulah, and Rye, with a 2-mile evacuation zone around San Isabel Lake.
Firefighting Efforts and Weather Impact
The National Weather Service reports that easterly winds have slowed to 5-15 mph, reducing smoke spread over Pueblo but bringing dry thunderstorms that increase the risk of new fire starts. Mark Wankowski of the Pueblo Weather Service branch noted that some relief may come on Sunday, though air quality remains a concern.
Public Health Advisories
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment has issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors, close windows, and avoid swamp coolers if smoke is thick, particularly for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the elderly, and young children.
Long-Term Implications
The fire’s rapid growth has raised concerns about resource allocation and long-term environmental impact, with officials emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as dry conditions persist. The Colorado Incident Management Team continues to monitor the situation, coordinating with local agencies to manage evacuations and firefighting efforts.