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Aspen Acres fire grows to 85,000 acres overnight, continuing march into Fourth of July holiday
The Colorado Sun • • general
Key Points:
- The Aspen Acres fire near Pueblo has expanded to 85,585 acres with zero containment, becoming Colorado's eighth largest wildfire; roughly 3,800 homes have been evacuated, and over 180 structures destroyed.
- Firefighting efforts have increased to 498 personnel, with bulldozers creating containment lines and parts of Pueblo Reservoir closed for firefighting aircraft operations.
- The fire is human-caused, with dry, windy conditions and potential thunderstorms posing ongoing risks for fire growth; officials urge the public to avoid fireworks during the July Fourth holiday.
- Other major Colorado wildfires include the Ferris fire (38,274 acres, 9% contained), Snyder fire (30,202 acres, 95% contained), Gold Mountain fire (25,460 acres), and Willow fire (2,969 acres), all with ongoing firefighting efforts and varying containment levels.
- Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely, emphasizing the threat of wind gusts and heat that could exacerbate fire activity across the region.
