Pueblo, CO – Firefighters are continuing to battle the Aspen Acres Fire, which has grown to 85,585 acres with 0% containment across parts of Custer and Pueblo counties in southern Colorado.
According to the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Jake Livingston, the fire was first reported on June 29, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m. and is believed to be human-caused, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials said more than 665 personnel are currently assigned to the incident, with over 300 additional firefighters arriving Friday and more expected to join the operation as containment efforts expand.
Fire behavior remained extreme on Friday, though changing weather conditions overnight, including increased humidity and cloud cover, helped moderate activity in some areas. Despite this, several zones remained active, particularly along Colorado Highway 165 between Lake Isabel and Colorado City, as well as Siloam Road and Red Creek.
Authorities said the fire has reached and crossed portions of Highway 165 in multiple locations. Crews continue conducting structure protection operations in Colorado City, where the fire has already passed, while also working to extinguish remaining hot spots to prevent re-ignition.
Dozer lines have been constructed north of Rye, along the western edge of Colorado City, and on the eastern perimeter south of the St. Charles River near Muddy Creek, where the fire continues to advance toward South Crow Cutoff.
On the northeastern side of the fire, crews are focusing on point protection along Siloam Road, including additional dozer line construction near Galbeth Creek and Wales Canyon. Further north, firefighters are using natural terrain features and existing roadways to connect containment lines and strengthen fire breaks.
Officials said mop-up operations are ongoing in areas where the fire has impacted structures, particularly in Colorado City, as crews work to extinguish remaining heat sources and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
The incident remains active and evolving as firefighting resources continue to be deployed across the region.
