Aspen Acres Fire Holds at 102,004 Acres, 72% Contained as Heavy Rain Raises Flooding Concerns

Description: The Aspen Acres Fire remains 72% contained at 102,004 acres as heavy monsoon rain raises flooding and debris-flow concerns near Lake Isabel and Beulah...


Published: 08/12/2026
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire Update – August 12, 2026
 
Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 5
Incident Commanders Jon Warder and Justin McArthur (trainee)
 
Fire Information: (719) 697-8353 Operational Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Size: 102,004 acres | Containment: 72% | Cause: Human | Start Date: June 29, 2026
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO | Total Personnel: 142
 
KEY MESSAGES
 
Heavy rainfall is expected over the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar today as strong thunderstorms move through the area. Sudden, intense rainfall may cause rapid runoff and increase the potential for flooding in and around burned areas. Thunderstorms Tuesday brought about 0.01 inches of rain along the southwest edge of the fire. Highways 165 and 78 and communities of like Isabel and Beaulah should monitor conditions for flooding concerns.
 
Small pockets of fire activity remain on the southwest portion of the fire, and containment remains at 72%. Containment is the percentage of a wildfire's perimeter that fire managers believe will stop the fire's spread under current conditions. It is achieved when control lines, such as dozer lines, roads, or natural barriers, are in place and expected to hold. Containment does not mean the fire is out; fire may still be burning within the contained area while crews extinguish hot spots, repair suppression impacts, and monitor for flare-ups.
 
As monsoon moisture increases, areas of creeping fire, smoldering, and visible smoke may continue. Light rain can dampen surface fuels, but larger fuels such as logs and downed wood absorb moisture slowly and may smolder for extended periods. This is a normal part of wildfire behavior and does not necessarily indicate increased fire activity or potential for spread.
 
CURRENT SITUATION
 
Heavy equipment operations remain focused on suppression repair, hazard removal, and maintaining safe access ahead of increasing monsoon activity. Over the next 72 hours, wet thunderstorms may bring heavy rain, gusty winds, flooding, debris movement, and hazardous travel conditions, potentially disrupting operations and road use. Ensuring safe access, maintaining critical equipment, and preparing for weather-related hazards remain top priorities for firefighter and public safety.
 
WEATHER
 
Monsoon moisture moved into the area Tuesday, bringing wetter thunderstorms and increasing rainfall totals compared to Monday. Temperatures cooled a few degrees, and relative humidity rose as moisture increased. On Wednesday, higher humidity and scattered thunderstorms are expected, with rainfall amounts of 0.25–0.50 inches likely and locally higher totals possible over the burn scar. Cooler temperatures and elevated humidity will persist through the end of the week.
 
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
 
A Fire Area Closure remains in effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, San Carlos Ranger District, with the exception of the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, which is open and accessible only through the Bartlett and Greenhorn trailheads out of Rye. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../aspen-acres-fire-area-closure.
 
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire area, which was reduced today to cover a 7 nautical mile radius centered on the southwest corner of the fire. It is active during daytime hours only, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This restriction applies to all aircraft, including drones and other unmanned aerial systems.
 
AIR QUALITY For daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
 
Aspen Acres Fire Information:
Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Phone: (719) 697-8353 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
 


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