The Aspen Acres Fire in southern Colorado has caused significant damage, destroying 55 homes in Custer County and over 100 structures in Pueblo County. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire has expanded to cover 28,314 acres and remains completely uncontained. Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero reported that efforts are underway to slow the fire’s progress and safeguard homes.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the towns of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel. An evacuation center has been set up at Pueblo County Parks and Recreation, 1650 Cooper Place, Pueblo. Large animals can be taken to the Colorado State Fairgrounds. For the latest evacuation updates, visit pueblosheriff.org.
Our thoughts are with every family, business owner, rancher, and resident affected by the Aspen Acres Fire. The safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority,Sheriff Lucero emphasized during a news conference.
A substantial aerial firefighting effort is in place, including eight air tankers. The cause of the fire is not yet determined. One firefighter has sustained injuries, but no other injuries have been reported to date.
Zakary Bruce, a resident of Beulah, shared his experience of being forced to evacuate swiftly as the fire approached. Tragically, his home was destroyed. The house, the land, my old car, even the guest cabin and shop were all leveled, either from the blaze itself or a propane tank exploding,
Bruce recounted.
He expressed the loss poignantly, saying, As for everything in that house, it’s all either reduced to metal slag or ashes. Several years’ worth of memories, gone within the span of 30 minutes.
The Aspen Acres Fire is one of nine major wildfires currently burning in Colorado. The Big Sheep Fire, located further south in Huerfano County, has consumed more than 1,100 acres, as reported by the governor’s office.