ENVIRONMENT

Aspen Acres blaze grows, forcing evacuations and damage

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PUEBLO, Colorado — The Aspen Acres fire expanded across Pueblo and Custer counties this week, burning tens of thousands of acres and prompting mandatory and pre-evacuation orders; incident maps showed roughly 93,634 acres on July 7 and about 96,031 acres by July 8, with officials reporting containment near 15 percent and large-scale shelter operations. This week, more than 1,500 personnel and then about 1,677 firefighters and support staff worked on suppression, while county authorities implemented curfews, held community briefings and coordinated re-entry rules; officials confirmed dozens of destroyed homes in Custer and Pueblo counties and organized Red Cross shelters and donation drives for displaced residents.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Early July: Wildfire began expanding across southern Colorado, triggering evacuations and shelters.
Monday evening: Reports indicated roughly 91,982 acres burned with shelter operations active in Pueblo.
July 6: Pueblo County announced a mandatory curfew and adjusted evacuation and re-entry statuses.
July 7: Incident maps recorded about 93,634 acres and 15% containment; 1,562 personnel assigned.
July 8: Mapping updated to about 96,031 acres with approximately 1,677 personnel and revised home-loss figures released.

Why This Matters to You

The Aspen Acres fire is a reminder of wildfire season's potential impact. If you live in a fire-prone area, it's time to review your evacuation plan and check your home insurance coverage. Make sure you're signed up for local emergency alerts.

The Bottom Line

This wildfire has grown rapidly, causing significant damage and displacement. Officials are working hard to contain it, but progress is slow. If you know someone in the affected areas, it's worth forwarding them this update. Stay safe and stay informed.