A fast-moving wildfire southwest of Denver has destroyed more than 160 structures and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents across two Colorado counties. The Aspen Acres fire, which began burning as of Friday, is one of approximately 40 uncontained large blazes primarily active in the Western United States.
Erratic winds have been a significant factor in the fire's rapid spread, pushing the flames across Pueblo and Custer counties. Firefighting efforts include scooping water from the Pueblo Reservoir. By Friday, the Aspen Acres fire had grown to nearly 105 square miles (272 square kilometers) with zero containment. The blaze is exacerbated by months of dry weather and a record lack of snowfall in some areas over the past winter.
Evacuation orders were issued for the entirety of Colorado City, an unincorporated community with a population of about 2,200. The nearby towns of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel were also evacuated, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. To assist with security and traffic control, approximately 50 National Guard soldiers were deployed on Friday to staff checkpoints in the affected counties. Guard members are also supporting State Park Rangers in managing water-scooping operations by ensuring boaters remain clear of designated areas.
Elsewhere in the region, firefighters have made progress on other significant fires. On the Colorado-Utah border, about 65% of the Snyder Fire has been contained. This blaze was the site of a recent tragedy where three Helitack team members were killed and two others injured when they were overcome by flames. In Utah, the Cottonwood fire had expanded to over 147 square miles (380 square kilometers) by Friday, and the Babylon fire in the state's southeast corner reached 133 square miles (344 square kilometers).