Wildfires continue to burn across Colorado, destroying homes, prompting evacuations, and keeping firefighters busy as hot, dry, and windy conditions persist.
The Aspen Acres Fire burning near Rye on the Custer-Pueblo county line has grown to more than 28,000 acres and remains 0% contained. More than 100 structures have been destroyed in Pueblo County, while 55 homes have been lost in Custer County. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office also reports one firefighter was injured while battling the fire near Westcliffe. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Rye, Beulah, San Isabel, Bishop Castle, and areas south of Highway 96.
In Lake County, the Willow Fire burning in the Mount Massive Wilderness has grown to more than 2,000 acres with no containment.
The 11 Fire south of Guffey near the Teller County line has reached 107 acres and is now 30% contained. Evacuation orders for that fire have been lifted.
Near Ouray, the Gold Mountain Fire has expanded to nearly 14,000 acres with no containment. U.S. Highway 550 remains closed in the area.
State officials say more than 95,000 acres have burned across Colorado during the past week.
The National Weather Service warns that hot, dry weather and gusty winds are expected to continue through the Fourth of July weekend, increasing the risk of additional wildfire activity.
The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have joined Lake, Chaffee, Park, and Fremont counties in implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Under Stage 2 Restrictions, all open fires and campfires are prohibited, including those in permanent fire rings. Propane and liquid-fueled stoves equipped with an on/off valve remain permitted.
