Where Things Stand

As of July 27, the Aspen Acres Fire has reached 101,879 acres and is 61% contained. That containment figure represents significant progress on a fire that has become the ninth largest in Colorado history by acreage. More than 180 structures have been destroyed, including at least 55 homes.

The fire burns in the foothills and mountains south of Colorado Springs, affecting communities in Custer, Fremont, and Pueblo counties. Families who had been displaced by evacuation orders are now able to return home.

Quick Reference

Who Can Go Home

Evacuation orders have been lifted for five communities: Wetmore, Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and Colorado City. All five are located south of Colorado Springs — ranging from roughly 30 to 50 miles from the city — in the foothills between the Arkansas River valley and the Wet Mountains.

The New Risk: Burn Scar Flash Flooding

A large wildfire replaces vegetated soil — which absorbs rainfall — with a hardened layer of ash and hydrophobic material that sheds water rather than absorbing it. The result is that even moderate rainfall on a burn scar can produce flash flooding and debris flows that are faster, deeper, and more dangerous than the same rainfall would cause on unburned land.

This matters now because afternoon thunderstorms are a standard part of the July weather pattern in the Colorado foothills. A heat advisory is in effect for the Colorado Springs area today, and afternoon storms are expected to develop as they typically do on hot July days in the region. Families returning to properties near the Aspen Acres burn scar — or who live downstream in drainages that run through burned areas — should stay alert to flash flood watches and warnings from the National Weather Service during afternoon and evening hours.

If you're in a low-lying area near a drainage that runs through or below the burn scar and the sky darkens, move to higher ground before waiting to see if flooding develops. Burn scar flooding gives very little warning.

What's Next

Firefighters are continuing work toward full containment. The fire's acreage and containment percentage are updated daily on InciWeb, the national incident management system, where the Aspen Acres Fire has a dedicated page. The National Weather Service office in Pueblo issues flash flood watches and warnings for the burn scar area — signing up for NWS alerts for Custer, Fremont, and Pueblo counties is the most direct way for families in those areas to stay informed during afternoon storm windows. Damage assessment and community recovery resources for affected families are available through Custer, Fremont, and Pueblo county emergency management offices.