Aspen Acres Fire Reaches 61% Containment as Flash Flood Threat Grows Near Burn Scar

Description: The Aspen Acres Fire is 61% contained at 101,546 acres as crews strengthen firelines near Rye. Heavy rain may trigger flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows near the burn scar...


Published: 6 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

Daily Update on Aspen Acres Fire 7/23

 
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: 101,546 acres      Containment: 61%     Total Personnel: 1,163
 
KEY MESSAGE
 
A flash flood watch is in effect Thursday afternoon into the evening in the area around the Aspen Acres fire footprint. Residents near the burn scar should prepare for potential hazards by ensuring they can receive emergency notifications from your respective county and monitor weather alerts. After fire is on the landscape, even low levels of precipitation can cause mudslides, debris flows, and flash flooding. Residents and visitors should be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
 
On Wednesday, fire fighters took advantage of the rainy weather to strengthen containment lines along the western side of the fire. Near Rye, crews continued to making good progress holding and securing fireline. Groundcrews also resumed firing operations to strengthen containment yesterday.
 
Increased fire activity earlier in the week resulted in multiple spot fires within a 100-acre section of land near Saint Charles Peak. The defensive line around this area has held since Monday, allowing crews to conduct aerial ignitions with UAS to consume unburned sections of vegetation. These firing operations are expected to continue today.
 
Along the north and eastern fire perimeters, fire personnel used heavy equipment and crews on the ground to mop-up and patrol burned areas. A Burned Area Response Team (BAER) has begun assessing post-fire hazards, burn severity, and potential infrastructure impacts across the fire area. 
 
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
 
Wednesday, monsoonal moisture moved over the fire area. Temperatures reached 90 degrees in lower elevations. Showers and isolated storms developed in the afternoon, producing light rain, lightning, and gusty outflow winds. Today, there is an 80% chance of rain in the afternoon with concentrations of heavy rain possible. Temperatures will range from upper 60s to upper 80s. Lightning and erratic winds are expected again in the afternoon.
 
With a high likelihood of precipitation, fire behavior is expected to be minimal. However, isolated spotting and single tree torching remain possible.
 
A flash flood warning will be in effect this afternoon through this evening. Refer to the National Weather Service for more information.
 
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. The National Forest Lands are closed and are also in evacuation status.
 
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, Zones P8 and P11 were moved to pre-evacuation status, which includes Rye, beginning at 8a.m today, July 23. Residents must have a re-entry card to enter their property. Re-entry cards are available at the Recovery Assistance Center, 2670 Delphinium Street in Pueblo. In pre-evacuation status, residents must be prepared to leave should conditions change. Additionally, Zones P9 and P12, which include the Colorado City area, will be taken off pre-evacuation on Thursday. Residents in area P1 remain in pre-evacuation status. More information can be found at www.puebloemergency.info.
 
Evacuation Zones C3 and C4 in Custer County reopened on Wednesday, July 22 at 10a.m. A re-entry tag listing your zone is required at traffic control points. Re-entry tags are available at the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at Lange Hall, 310 SZ 3rd Street, Westcliffe. D.A.C hours. are Mon-Fri 10a.m- 3p.m., and Saturday 10a.m.- 2p.m. Proof of residency or photo ID is required to receive tags. Please stay off the roads from 7a.m. to 9a.m. and 7p.m. to 9p.m. for firefighter traffic. Zones C1 and C2 remain in Evacuation Status. For Custer County re-entry questions or specific evacuation status, call 719-467-0271 or follow the Custer County Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOAdmin . Dumpsters for food spoiled during power outages are available at McKenzie Junction (Hwy 96 and Hwy 165). Household trash or debris is not permitted to be disposed of at this site. Residents should stay alert for hazards including standing dead or burned trees, damaged utility lines, damaged propane tanks, and other hazards.
 
Huerfano County Sheriff's Office has reduced Zones H16, H17, and H1 to pre-evacuation status. To the west, in Zone H15 pre-evacuation has been lifted and is now clear. National Forest Service Land is still under a closure. 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:
 
 
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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