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Aspen Acres Fire Grows to 47,953 Acres With 0% Containment Near Rye, Colorado
Description: The Aspen Acres Fire has grown to 47,953 acres with 0% containment in Custer and Pueblo counties as crews face red flag conditions, extreme fire behavior and ongoing evacuations.
Aspen Acres Fire Update
Thursday, July 2, 2026 – 8:00 a.m.
Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1
Jake Livingston, Incident Commander
Size: 47,953 acres | Containment: 0% | Total Personnel: approximately 321
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO in Custer and Pueblo Counties
Reported: June 29, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. | Cause: Human, Under Investigation
Fire Information Phone Line: 719.697.8353 | Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Alaska CIMT #1 assumed command of the Aspen Acres Fire Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. Team Colorado extends their gratitude and appreciation to all cooperating agencies in Custer and Pueblo Counties and expresses sincere condolences to the residents and property owners who are experiencing trauma and loss during this incident.
Fire Update: Wednesday, the fire exhibited significant activity throughout the afternoon, spreading west into forested terrain, east toward Siloam Road, and demonstrating extreme fire behavior along the southeast flank. A Type 1 handcrew worked in the area constructing direct fireline where conditions allowed. Multiple large and very large air tankers operated throughout the day from Colorado Springs, delivering retardant to slow the fire's advance and help protect homes, critical infrastructure, watersheds, and other values at risk in the communities of Beulah Valley, Rye, Colorado City, Lake Isabel, and Red Creek. During the afternoon, the fire advanced approximately 2.5 miles north from the Beulah Valley.
Operations continue Thursday with additional geographic divisions established to improve coordination, along with more engines, crews, and overhead personnel arriving to strengthen suppression efforts. Firefighters remain focused on protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure while implementing suppression strategies. The safety of the public and all responders remains the highest priority as crews continue to engage the fire under challenging conditions.
Weather: A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 12 PM MDT THURSDAY. Overnight RH recovery was poor, and southwest winds are expected to gust to 25-30 mph making for another active fire day. Skies will be sunny and smoky with temperatures in the mid-80s and RH 1-6%. A dedicated incident meteorologist will arrive Thursday.
Fire Behavior: Extreme fire is expected Thursday with possible crown runs and group tree torching. Fire has the potential for spotting up to a mile ahead of the front.
Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Custer and Pueblo Counties, as well as on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. 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
Evacuations: Please call the Joint Information Center (JIC) at 719-583-4640 for closures, evacuations, Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) information and more.
The public and members of the media should monitor the following official websites: www.puebloemergency.info, www.facebook.com/AspenAcresFire2026, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incid.../copsf-aspen-acres-fire.
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.
Photos from Division W from John Rowe-Stokes, Front Range Fire Rescue
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