Aspen Acres Fire Becomes 8th Largest in Colorado History
HIGH LOCAL IMPACTThe Aspen Acres Fire in southern Colorado has exploded to 87,000+ acres (136 square miles) and is now the eighth-largest wildfire in state history, according to fire officials Sunday morning. The fire remains 0% contained with over 212 structures destroyed, including at least 55 homes in Custer County. EVACUATION ZONES: Mandatory: Colorado City, Wetmore, Beulah, Rye, San Isabel. Pre-evacuation: Residents between Willow Fire and Leadville. The fire, burning in Custer and Pueblo counties approximately 20 miles southwest of Pueblo, has exhibited explosive growth—expanding 27 square miles in less than 24 hours at its peak. Despite 665+ personnel now deployed, including Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1 and Viking CL-415EAF Super Scoopers, firefighters have not yet established containment lines. Historic Bishop Castle Survives: The iconic roadside attraction in the Wet Mountains remained standing Saturday after flames approached within miles. However, Horseshoe Lodge at Beulah Mountain Park was destroyed in the fire's path. "We haven't reached a point where we can gain control," said incident commander Nash. "The conditions are unprecedented in their severity." Damage assessment teams began entering burned areas Sunday as weather provided firefighters a brief operational edge. Context: The 2002 Hayman Fire (137,760 acres) remains Colorado's largest. The Aspen Acres Fire has already surpassed the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire (208,663 acres was larger—correction: this needs verification). Current ranking places it behind the 2002 Hayman Fire, 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, 2020 East Troublesome Fire, 2012 High Park Fire, 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire, 2018 416 Fire, and 2013 West Fork Complex.