What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of July 1, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire is burning across Custer and Pueblo counties of Colorado. The fire is affecting areas near the communities of Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and the Aspen Acres Campground.
It has also prompted closures within portions of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands to protect public safety (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?
The cities and areas affected by the Aspen Acres Fire include:
- Beulah
- Bishops Castle
- Burnt Mill to I-25
- Crow Cutoff
- Highway 165 south to the Pueblo County line
- Lazy Acres
- North Creek area
- Rye
- San Isabel
- South of Highway 96
- Three R Road to Crow Cutoff
- 12 Mile Road
- Waterbarrel Road
What is the current containment status of the wildfire?
As of July 1, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire has burned approximately 28,363 acres and remains 0% contained.
Firefighters continue suppression efforts while monitoring active fire growth on both the Pueblo and Custer sides of the incident. Crews have transitioned between day and night operations as changing weather conditions, strong winds, and low humidity continue to support extreme fire behavior.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Mandatory Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple areas in Pueblo and Custer counties, including Beulah, Rye, Lazy Acres, San Isabel, Bishops Castle, the North Creek area, and locations south of Highway 96.
Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to leave immediately, and wireless emergency alerts warn that delaying evacuation may leave residents without a safe opportunity to evacuate.
An evacuation center remains open at the Pueblo County Recreation Center, where small household pets are accepted. Large animal and livestock sheltering is available at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.
The Wetmore Community Center shelter has been closed, although emergency resources remain available should additional sheltering become necessary.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of July 1, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.
