Aspen Acres Fire destroys dozens of homes in southern Colorado

The Aspen Acres Fire raging in southern Colorado has devastated communities, destroying at least 55 homes in Custer County and over 100 structures in Pueblo County. The wildfire has consumed 28,314 acres and remains 0% contained, according to authorities. Crews are working to slow the fire's advance and protect remaining homes. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel, with an evacuation center established in Pueblo. Residents with large animals can find refuge at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.

Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero acknowledged the immense stress and emotional toll on affected families, business owners, and ranchers. "We know this has been an incredibly stressful and emotional time," Lucero stated. "Many people have had to leave their homes, not knowing what they may return to, and I want everyone to know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority."

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First and foremost, our thoughts are with every family, business owner, rancher and resident who has been affected by the Aspen Acres Fire. We know this has been an incredibly stressful and emotional time. Many people have had to leave their homes, not knowing what they may return to, and I want everyone to know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority.

Among the aerial assets battling the blaze were eight air tankers. The origin of the fire is currently unknown. While one firefighter was injured, no other injuries have been reported. Beulah resident Zakary Bruce shared a harrowing account of his escape, learning the next day that his home, land, old car, guest cabin, and shop were completely destroyed. "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," Bruce recounted.

The Aspen Acres Fire is one of nine major wildfires active in Colorado. The Big Sheep Fire, located further south in Huerfano County, has burned over 1,100 acres.

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The next day, I found out from my neighbor that it was gone entirely. The house, the land, my old car, even the guest cabin and shop were all leveled, either from the blaze itself or the propane tank exploding from the pure heat and cinders of the wildfire. 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.