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Aspen Acres Fire Evacuations Lifted as Containment Holds at 61%
Description: All Aspen Acres Fire evacuation zones were reduced to pre-evacuation or clear status July 25 as the fire held at 101,738 acres and 61% containment...
Aspen Acres Fire Update for July 25, 2026
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO in Custer and Pueblo Counties
Start Date: Reported 06/29/2026 around 6:00 a.m.
Cause: Human, Under Investigation
Official Acreage: 101,738 acres
Containment: 61%
Total Personnel: 945
KEY MESSAGE
This morning, Saturday July 25, all evacuation zones have been reduced either to pre-evacuation or clear status. For zones in pre-evacuation status, residents must receive a re-entry card from their respective county. Upon return, residents should be prepared to leave again if weather or fire conditions worsen.
Yesterday, two lightning-caused fires were detected near the Aspen Acres Fire. Air and ground resources responded to both. Additional lightning is expected through the week, and firefighters remain vigilant for new fire starts.
Near Rye, fire fighters continued to strengthen control lines. Crews have also been mitigating flash flooding through contour felling. This is the process of tactically placing damaged trees horizontally on the landscape to control runoff, erosion, and prevent flash flooding after a fire has impacted the landscape. Chippers and other heavy equipment are also being used to repair suppression efforts.
Near San Isabel, recent showers and thunderstorms have limited fire activity. Fire fighters continue to monitor smoldering heat that could become more active as fuels dry. The approximately 100-acre spot fire reported earlier this week remains secure. Crews and UAS resources will continue to monitor for smoke in this zone while improving primary and secondary lines.
Fire fighters continued preparations for future tactical burning operations. Although yesterday's rainfall left fuels too damp to conduct defensive firing, crews are prepared to begin operations when conditions become favorable.
Along the northern and eastern perimeter of the fire, crews continued to repair dozer and hand line from suppression efforts. Fire fighters will be patrolling for and responding to smoke reports in areas that have been repopulated.
For public and firefighter safety, please stay out of active fire areas so fire fighters and heavy equipment operators can work without added risk.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Warm and dry conditions are expected in the area throughout the weekend. Temperatures today will range from the low 70s in higher elevations and upper 90s in lower elevations. Winds are expected to be 5-10 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 30% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon.
Recent showers and thunderstorms have moderated fire activity across much of the incident. However, lightning from storms over the past two days has resulted in multiple new starts near the Aspen Acres Fire and firefighters remain alert for additional ignitions.
AREA CLOSURE
There is an Aspen Acres Fire Area Closure for the San Carlos Ranger District. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/alerts/aspen-acres-fire-area-closure.Please monitor land managing agencies for other fire restrictions.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place above the fire area. Flying any aircraft within the TFR is prohibited. This includes the use of drones, or unmanned aerial systems.
EVACUATIONS
In Pueblo County, evacuations for Zone FS5 are lifted this morning, Saturday, July 25 at 10:00am. This area will be on pre-evacuation status and residents should remain prepared, as firefighting activities continue in the area and residents may be asked to leave again due to firefighting operations or increased fire activity. Only residents will be allowed in at this time. Residents are required to have a re-entry card to access their property. If you still need to receive your re-entry card, please visit the Recovery Assistance Center at 2670 Delphinium Street in Pueblo. The R.A.C. will not be open Saturday or Sunday and will reopen at noon Monday. Zones P1, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4, FS5, P8, and P11 remain in pre-evacuation status. For more information, please visit www.puebloemergency.info.
Zone C1 in Custer County was lifted to pre-evacuation status this morning. Zones C2, C3, C4, C9b, and C5c remain in pre-evacuation status. A re-entry card is required to pass through traffic control points and your card must list your evacuation zone. Cards are available at the Disaster Assistance Center (D.A.C) at 310 S 3rd Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252 Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring photo ID or proof of residency. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CCSOAdmin.
Huerfano County Sheriff's Office has reduced Zones H16, H17, and H1 to pre-evacuation status. For further information, call 719-738-1044 to reach Huerfano County dispatch or visit https://huerfano.us/aspen-acres-fire-rye-huerfano/.
An awareness status is in place for Fremont County, encouraging residents to stay informed, monitor official updates, and remain prepared.
AIR QUALITY
An Air Resource Advisor is assigned to the incident and assessing where communities may be impacted by smoke. To get daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/
OFFICIAL WEBSITES
The public and members of the media should monitor the following official websites for additional information:
Follow Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Facebook at www.facebook.com/PuebloSheriff and X: @PuebloCountySO https://x.com/PuebloCountySO.
Follow Custer County Sheriff's Office Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CCSOAdmin; on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/custercountycosheriff/ and on X at https://x.com/CusterSOcolo.
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