Updated
Updated · Pueblo Chieftain · Jul 10
Pueblo County to Lift Most Aspen Acres Evacuations July 10 as 96,121-Acre Fire Reaches 14% Containment
Updated
Updated · Pueblo Chieftain · Jul 10

Pueblo County to Lift Most Aspen Acres Evacuations July 10 as 96,121-Acre Fire Reaches 14% Containment

3 articles · Updated · Pueblo Chieftain · Jul 10

Summary

  • Most southern Pueblo County evacuation orders tied to the Aspen Acres Fire are expected to be lifted July 10, though officials have not yet specified which zones will reopen.
  • All reopened areas will stay under pre-evacuation status, and returning residents must obtain a re-entry card at the Disaster Assistance Center at 29 Lehigh Ave. with proof of residency.
  • The only Pueblo County area already reopened remains a limited zone west of Interstate 25 and bounded by Cummings Street, S. Crow Cutoff, Haynes Road and Jerry Bass Lane; all other mapped areas are still under mandatory evacuation.
  • The fire had burned 96,121 acres and 276 homes as of July 9 and was 14% contained, suggesting improving conditions but continued risk for residents returning home.

Insights

With wildfire smoke now linked to cancer, what is the long-term public health plan for exposed communities?
Beyond just fighting flames, can restoring watersheds create natural defenses against future megafires?