Aspen Acres Fire Scorches 23,123 Acres, Forcing 4,200 Evacuations in Colorado
Updated
Updated · KKTV · Jun 29
Aspen Acres Fire Scorches 23,123 Acres, Forcing 4,200 Evacuations in Colorado
3 articles · Updated · KKTV · Jun 29
Summary
More than 4,200 people were evacuated Monday as the Aspen Acres Fire spread across Pueblo and Custer counties, destroyed an unknown number of structures and remained 0% contained by evening.
Winds of 80 to 100 mph repeatedly shifted the fire and grounded air support, leaving crews to fight on foot in difficult terrain while officials said they were "at the mercy" of the blaze.
Highway 165 from Mackenzie Junction to Colorado City and Highway 78 were closed, evacuation orders expanded to Beulah, Rye and San Isabel, and residents who leave cannot return until orders are lifted.
Colorado authorities still have not determined the cause; state and U.S. Forest Service investigators could not yet reach the origin area, and no injuries had been reported.
Governor Jared Polis earlier declared a disaster emergency and authorized the National Guard, while local officials warned the firefight could last days or weeks as multiple Colorado fires strain resources.
As catastrophic fire seasons become the norm, are Western communities facing an unmanageable future of displacement and loss?
When federal aid only covers firefighting costs, how are thousands of displaced families expected to recover and rebuild their lives?
Aspen Acres Fire Grows to 23,000 Acres with 0% Containment: Colorado’s 2026 Wildfire Crisis Intensifies
Overview
As of June 30, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire in Colorado is a fast-growing emergency that began near Rye on June 29. The fire started small, at about 35 acres, but quickly exploded to 23,000 acres by the evening of the same day. With zero percent containment and the cause still under investigation, the fire’s rapid spread forced evacuations within a 5-mile radius around Aspen Acres. The situation is made worse by strong winds and dry conditions, making firefighting efforts very difficult and increasing the risk for nearby communities.