Rye Fire Chief Reports 11 Homes Affected, 7 Total Losses in 74 Fire Near Applewood Estates
Description: Rye Fire Chief Gallegos says the 74 Fire began near Mile Marker 74 on I-25 and quickly spread toward Applewood Estates, damaging 11 homes and leaving seven believed to be total losses. No injuries were reported as crews focused on evacuations, structure protection, and containment... Read the Full Letter from Rye Fire Chief Gallegos...
Published: 06/25/2026
Byline: SECO News
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First and foremost, our hearts and prayers go out to the families affected by the 74 Fire. We recognize that many residents have experienced tremendous loss, and our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by this incident.
On Sunday evening at approximately 6:22 p.m., Rye Fire Protection District was dispatched by Pueblo County Communications for a reported grass fire near Mile Marker 74 on Interstate 25. While responding, additional reports indicated there were multiple fires along the interstate corridor.
Rye Fire responded with two wildland engines and Chief 201. Upon arrival, Chief 201 discovered three separate fires.
The first fire was threatening a quadplex on Algonquine Drive. The second fire was progressing toward Applewood Estates, and the third fire, located farther south along the interstate, was also advancing toward the Applewood area.
Recognizing the rapidly escalating situation, Chief 201 immediately requested additional assistance from Pueblo County. Resources requested included a water tender strike team, a wildland strike team, and later a structure strike team.
Initial assignments were made as follows:
The first engine was directed to protect the quadplex on Algonquine Drive.
The second engine attempted to flank the second fire and keep it from reaching Applewood Estates.
Chief 201 initiated direct attack on the third fire near the end of Applewood Drive.
At the time of the incident, sustained winds were approximately 15 miles per hour with gusts exceeding 25 miles per hour. These conditions significantly increased fire behavior.
The first and second fires quickly merged into a larger fire after reaching the juniper fuels located behind Applewood Estates. Once the fire entered those heavy fuels, direct attack efforts became ineffective due to the extreme fire behavior.
As the fire began encroaching on homes within Applewood Estates, all available fire suppression resources and law enforcement personnel were redirected to Applewood Drive to focus on life safety, evacuations, and structure protection.
With the arrival of additional county resources, crews worked aggressively to contain the fire to the homes in the 2700 block and prevent further advancement of the wildland fire.
At this time, a total of eleven homes have been affected, with seven homes believed to be total losses. In addition, several outbuildings and vehicles were damaged or destroyed.
I am grateful to report that no injuries have been reported. One Rye Fire engine sustained minor damage from radiant heat while protecting structures, but our firefighters remained safe throughout the operation.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, emergency medical personnel, and mutual aid partners who responded quickly and worked tirelessly under difficult and dangerous conditions. Their professionalism and dedication undoubtedly prevented even greater losses.
As we move forward, our focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting with recovery efforts, and continuing coordination with our partner agencies.
Thank you.
Chief Gallegos
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