This article is about a current wildfire where information can change quickly or be unreliable. The latest page updates may not reflect the most up-to-date information. This wildfire is still actively burning, so residents should refer to local authorities for up-to-date information. |
The Aspen Acres Fire is a large, ongoing, and destructive wildfire in Custer County and Pueblo County in southern Colorado, 20 miles from Pueblo. As of July 11, 2026, it has burned 99,077 acres (40,095 ha) and is 36% contained.[4] It is the seventh largest wildfire in the state's history and has damaged or destroyed over 850 structures.[5][6][7]
| Aspen Acres Fire | |
|---|---|
| Part of the 2026 Colorado wildfires | |
 A time lapse of the fire from its ignition on June 29 to noon on July 4 | |
| Date |
|
| Location | Custer County and Pueblo County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 38°00′36″N 105°04′16″W / 38.01°N 105.071°W |
| Statistics | |
| Status | Ongoing wildfire |
| Perimeter | 36% contained |
| Burned area | 99,077 acres (40,095 ha; 401 km2; 155 sq mi) |
| Impacts | |
| Evacuated | 4,000[1] |
| Structures destroyed | 850 [2] |
| Ignition | |
| Cause | Human, under investigation[3] |
| Map | |
 Perimeter map of Aspen Acres Fire (map data) Map of the aspen acres fire | |
  Location within Colorado | |
It is also currently the largest wildfire burning in Colorado and is the top priority in terms of resources by the U.S.[8]
Background
editIn late June 2026, much of southern and central Colorado was experiencing severe drought and high winds, leading to red flag conditions.[9]
Progression
editThe fire was first reported on June 29, 2026, and grew to over 23,000 acres (9,300 ha) the same day several miles to the east driven by the high winds.[10] Mandatory evacuations were widespread in and around the town of Beulah as a result. The fire mostly burnt the outskirts of the town but still caused significant damage.[11][12]
On July 2, more high winds caused the fire to grow heavily to the north and extend south where the head of the fire jumped several roadways and threatened Colorado City. The western side of town was told to evacuate to the east away from the approaching fire. Evacuations continued overnight until around 12:00 a.m., when the entire city was told to evacuate.[13]
By July 3, it was the top firefighting priority in the state and entire nation.[14] The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued grants to cover up to 75 percent of firefighting costs as the fire surpassed 66,000 acres, with continued zero percent containment.[15][16] An Alaska incident management team assumed command of the fire as it was declared the state's ninth largest.[17]
On July 4, the fire had grown to over 87,000 acres with over 212 structures confirmed destroyed as it continued moving at a more moderate pace to the north and west, running up saint Charles Peak. The Alaska incident management team confirmed that the fire was at 6% containment as of 6:45 p.m. MDT.[6]
The fire had surpassed 90,000 acres on July 5, nearly the same size as the Cottonwood Fire burning in Utah. Erratic outflow winds from thunderstorms had continued pushing the blaze north into Custer County and the Wetmore area as well as Greenville. Over 1,300 personnel were fighting the fire and protecting structures.[18] Evacuations were also extended significantly into southern Fremont County not too far from Cañon City. Containment had also decreased 2% overnight.[19]
Rain fell on most of the fire perimeter by July 8 as it surpassed 96,000 acres along with increasing containment. The most significant amounts of rain fell on the northern and southern edges, where fire activity was moderated and firefighters were switching to offensive tactics. This however brought risks with mudslides and flash floods for them as they continued operations.[20][21]
Evacuations
editThe fire has forced at least 4,000 people to evacuate from numerous towns, including Williamsburg, Coal Creek and Rockvale.[1][22] Pre-evacuations were issued for residents on national forest land and major highways and in multiple counties.
Effects
editThe fire has destroyed over 850 structures as of the last update,[23][5] as crews had estimated 212 in the days prior to a full damage assessment.[6] at first. In addition, the fire has affected three water treatment plants[9] and sections of state highways 165, 78, 67, and 96 have been closed.[10] The fire also caused smoke and air quality concerns for parts of the state, and a temporary flight restriction is in place above its perimeter.[3]
Damage assessments are however still ongoing regarding the effects the fire had on Beulah, given more favorable weather conditions.[24]
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 "Governor Polis at Aspen Acres Fire Incident Command Post in Pueblo County". governorsoffice.colorado.gov. July 2, 2026. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Aspen Acres Fire destroys 850 structures". July 10, 2026. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
- 1 2 Livingston, Jake (July 5, 2026). "Aspen Acres Fire Update 07-05-2026". inciweb.wildfire.gov. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
- ↑ "Aspen Acres Fire". Watch Duty. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Shinn, Mary (July 10, 2026). "Aspen Acres fire destroys 850 structures". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Aspen Acres Fire rages in Pueblo, Custer counties with 6% containment". Pueblo Chieftain. July 4, 2026. Retrieved July 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Aspen Acres fire destroys more than 850 structures — including at least 337 homes — as it approaches 100,000 acres". The Denver Post. July 11, 2026. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Aspen Acres fire races across 17 square miles overnight, now 9th largest in Colorado history". The Denver Post. July 3, 2026. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Prentzel, Olivia (July 2, 2026). "Colorado's wildfires scorch 129,000 acres as critical fire danger persists". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Svaldi, Aldo (June 29, 2026). "Aspen Acres fire southwest of Pueblo explodes to 23,000 acres in size". The Denver Post. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Years of wildfire risk left some Beulah residents uninsured before the fire burned their homes". July 1, 2026.
- ↑ Hillstrom, Zach. "Horseshoe Lodge at Beulah Mountain Park destroyed in Aspen Acres Fire". Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Mandatory evacuations ordered for Colorado City as Aspen Acres Fire continues to grow - CBS Colorado". www.cbsnews.com. July 3, 2026. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ McRae, Jennifer (June 29, 2026). "Mandatory evacuations ordered for Colorado City as Aspen Acres Fire continues to grow". CBS Colorado. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ "FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire". FEMA (Press release). June 30, 2026. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Krause, David (July 3, 2026). "Aspen Acres fire surpasses 66,000 acres, now 9th largest in state history; hot, dry conditions remain in Colorado forecast". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Aspen Acres Fire Update Thursday, July 3, 2026 07-03-2026". inciweb.wildfire.gov. July 3, 2026. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
- ↑ Prentzel, Olivia (July 6, 2026). "Winds push Aspen Acres fire as blaze surpasses 91,000 acres". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
- ↑ Hillstrom, Zach. "Aspen Acres Fire grows to 91,500 acres, containment drops overnight". Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
- ↑ Reutter, Justin. "Aspen Acres Fire crews go on the offensive on fire's northern edge". Pueblo Chieftain. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- ↑ savannah.eller@gazette.com, Savannah Eller (July 9, 2026). "Hopes tempered on rain relief for Aspen Acres fire". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
- ↑ Chalfin, Andrea (July 6, 2026). "Aspen Acres fire: More than 1,300 personnel assigned to firefighting efforts". KRCC. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
- ↑ Prentzel, Olivia (July 6, 2026). "Aspen Acres destruction climbs to 263 homes lost in Pueblo, Custer counties". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
- ↑ Coffield, Dana (July 5, 2026). "Damage assessment teams begin work in Aspen Acres fire zone as weather gives firefighters an edge". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved July 5, 2026.