Aspen Acres Fire Update: Zone C2 Reopens, Lightning Raises Risk of New Starts
Description: The Aspen Acres Fire remains 61% contained at 101,546 acres as Custer County Zone C2 reopens to residents. Lightning, flash flooding, and new fire starts remain concerns...
Published: 07/24/2026
Byline: SECO News
Daily Update on Aspen Acres Fire 7/24
Fire Information: 719-697-8353
Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
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
Latest Intelligence: 101,738 acres
Containment: 61%
Total Personnel: 1,023
KEY MESSAGE
This morning Zone C2, which includes the area around San Isabel opens to residents today. Access is only allowed through McKenzie Junction, and a re-entry card is required. Highway 165 remains closed to all but residents with a card.
On Thursday, fire fighters responded to a ¼ acre new start near the Aspen Acres Fire. Named the Salt Fire, helitack resources quickly responded and defensive line was placed around the perimeter. Despite precipitation across the landscape, lightning and erratic winds caused by storms can cause increased fire activity. With more lightning expected today, new starts may occur. The public is advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions, sign up for their respective county’s community notification system, and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Near San Isabel, crews noticed minimal fire activity due to rain and increased humidity. Heavy fuels are still burning and are expected to remain active despite the rain. Crews are working to implement strategic burning to strengthening containment lines when conditions become favorable.
Around Rye and Saint Charles Peak, the decreased fire activity allowed for crews to reinforce dozer and hand lines. While these containment lines were strengthened throughout the day, line must be tested by wind and time before officially increasing containment. Engines continued to patrol for lingering heat and respond to smoke reports along the southern perimeter of the fire as residents returned home
Throughout the eastern and northern sides of the fire perimeter, crews with fire suppression repair. A Burned Area Response (BAER) Team has been active in the burn scar to assess for post-fire hazards, burn severity, and potential infrastructure impacts across the 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
Warm and humid conditions were observed over the fire with temperatures into the high 80s. As storms moved through the area, observed lightning and scattered showers were observed within the burn scar. Slightly warmer weather will settle in on Friday as temperatures increase into the 90s. Afternoon thunderstorms are expected which will bring in gusty and erratic winds and possible flash flooding.
Lightning and wind could influence fire behavior, however, increased chance of precipitation may limit most fire spread to reduced surface fire and single-tree torching.
AREA CLOSURE
There is an Aspen Acres Fire Area Closure for the San Carlos Ranger District. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../aspen-acres-fire-area-closure... 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 Custer County, Evacuation Zone C2 opens to residents today, Friday July 24 at 10:00 a.m. Evacuation Zone C2 will be in pre-evacuation status. Residents must be prepared to leave should conditions change. Zones C3, C4, and C9b 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. Additionally, Zone 10 was lifted out of pre-evacuation status to clear. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CCSOAdmin.
In Pueblo County, Zone FS5 remains in evacuation status. Zones P8 and P11 were moved to pre-evacuation status at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Zones P1, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4, and FS6 remain in pre-evacuation status. 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 should be prepared to leave if fire behavior or weather conditions change. For more information, please visit www.puebloemergency.info.
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 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.
Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.
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