A fast-moving wildfire in southern Colorado has turned the Fourth of July weekend into an emergency for thousands of residents, as the Aspen Acres Fire continues to spread across Pueblo and Custer counties with no containment in sight.
The blaze has scorched more than 81,850 acres, destroyed over 160 structures, and forced more than 11,000 people to evacuate, making it one of the most serious wildfire events currently unfolding in the United States.
Driven by dry vegetation, strong winds, and dangerous fire conditions, the fire has become the nation’s top firefighting priority as crews race to protect homes, communities, and critical infrastructure.
How Fast Is the Aspen Acres Fire Growing?
The fire made an eight-mile run overnight and has grown to more than 74,000 acres, with more than 350 firefighters working the wildfire southwest of Pueblo as of Friday morning. By Friday night, the fire was estimated to have burned through more than 81,850 acres, with firefighters still unable to gain any containment on the blaze.
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The Aspen Acres Fire has become the eighth-largest wildfire in Colorado history.
The fire started on June 29 near the Aspen Acres Campground in the San Isabel National Forest. Its cause is under investigation but is believed to be human-caused.
Which Areas Are Under Evacuation?
All of Colorado City, an unincorporated community of about 2,200, was ordered evacuated, as well as the towns of Beulah, Rye and San Isabel, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.
Mandatory evacuations also remain in effect for Wetmore, while pre-evacuation notices cover parts of Colorado City and areas west of Interstate 25.
Evacuation shelters are open at the Pathfinder Regional Park in Florence, Lange Hall in Westcliffe, and the St. Charles Mesa Recreation Center in Pueblo. The evacuation shelter accepts small animals. The Colorado State Fairgrounds are accepting large animals and livestock.
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How Much Damage Has Been Reported?
The confirmed number of destroyed homes and structures has climbed to at least 160 across Pueblo and Custer counties, though ongoing firefighting conditions have limited damage assessments, meaning the full scope of destruction was not immediately clear.
The historic Horseshoe Lodge in Pueblo Mountain Park sustained significant damage, Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero confirmed.
There is currently no water or electrical service to the Beulah community. Many hazards still exist, including unstable trees, damaged power lines, compromised gas lines and unsafe roadways.
How Are Firefighters Battling the Blaze?
Fire personnel were scooping water from the Pueblo Reservoir to fight the blaze. About 50 National Guard soldiers were sent in on Friday to help staff checkpoints on roads in Custer and Pueblo counties.
A pair of Viking CL-415EAF Super Scoopers are drawing water from Lake Pueblo Reservoir. The aircraft approach the water at approximately 100 mph and can scoop up 1,600 gallons of water in 12 seconds.
A 650-person crew from Alaska took over operations. More help is pouring in, including 100 engines from California. Colorado Public Radio
Multiple large air tankers flew out of Colorado Springs, dropping retardant to slow the fire's advance and protect homes, critical infrastructure, watersheds and communities including Beulah Valley, Rye, Colorado City, Lake Isabel and Red Creek.
What Is Fueling the Fire?
The fire showed explosive growth because of record-low fuel moisture levels and persistent Red Flag conditions the week before it ignited and the days after. Dry vegetation and large numbers of dead trees from past insect damage have been adding fuel to the fire.
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The Aspen Acres fire is one of about 40 uncontained large blazes burning mostly in the West, fueled by months of dry weather and a record lack of snow this past winter.
Officials anticipate another challenging night, with winds gusting up to 40 mph. Warm and dry conditions will continue Saturday, with greater chances of thunderstorms that could bring gusty outflow winds and little rain. A better chance of precipitation is predicted from Sunday.
Fourth of July Celebrations Disrupted
Colorado's Division of Fire Prevention and Control said several professional firework displays have already been cancelled because of the extreme fire risk, with many counties now under fire restrictions.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are on Pueblo Reservoir ensuring recreational boaters stay clear of a safe pathway for water-scooping aircraft.
Colorado and the West Face a Wider Wildfire Emergency
Colorado is not fighting just one fire. Six large wildfires burning across Colorado have scorched more than 129,000 acres about 200 square miles as hundreds of firefighters battle the flames with little relief in sight.
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Fire crews on the western side of the Rocky Mountains had contained about 65% of the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border, where three members of a Helitack team were killed and two others injured last weekend when they were overcome by flames. The Cottonwood Fire in southwestern Utah had grown to more than 147 square miles, while the Babylon Fire in the southeast corner of the state was up to 133 square miles. Himachal Pradesh Bridge Collapse: One Truck Crossed Safely. The Next One Took The Bridge Down
