The Aspen Acres Fire burning across Custer, Pueblo, and now Fremont counties has grown to nearly 92,000 acres and is 13% contained.
New mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Fremont County for the communities of Coal Creek, Rockvale, and Williamsburg.
Evacuation orders also remain in effect for Colorado City, Rye, and Beulah in Pueblo County. In Custer County, evacuations continue for San Isabel, Wetmore, Bishop Castle, and areas south of Highway 96. The Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office has also ordered mandatory evacuations in the northern part of the county west of Apache City.
Officials report that at least 185 homes and four businesses have been destroyed in Pueblo County. In Custer County, at least 78 homes have been lost. Approximately 11,000 residents have been evacuated as firefighters continue working to contain the blaze.
A community meeting for evacuees from the Highway 165 Corridor and the Aspen Acres subdivision will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the West Gym at Custer County Schools. Fire officials will provide an update on firefighting operations and answer questions from affected residents.
