The Aspen Acres Fire has now grown to almost 92,000 acres, with firefighters reporting 12% containment as of Monday morning. This is the first bit of encouraging news we have had in days, but the fire is still large, active, and dangerous. More than 1,300 personnel are now working this fire, and evacuation orders remain in place across several Southern Colorado communities.

Last night brought more heartbreak and worry as mandatory evacuations expanded into Fremont County, including Williamsburg, Coal Creek, Rockvale, Newlin Ridge Road, Los Pinos Subdivision, Lock Mountain Estates, and nearby areas along Highway 67 north of the Custer County line. Evacuees were directed to Pathfinder Park near Florence, where both people and animals can go for help.

This fire feels even more personal today. Florence was the first place I lived when I moved to Colorado, so hearing that communities south of Florence were evacuated last night hit close to home. My cousin was among those forced to leave, and I have friends and people I care about throughout that area. These are not just towns on an evacuation map to me. They are places filled with memories, family, neighbors, and hardworking people who love their homes and land. Tonight, my prayers are with Florence, Williamsburg, Coal Creek, Rockvale, Beulah, Rye, Wetmore, and every community facing fear, smoke, and uncertainty.

My heart is heavy for our Colorado communities and every family watching the smoke and waiting for news. These are not just names on a map. They are homes, pastures, favorite roads, mountain views, family memories, and places people love deeply.

Officials have reported major losses, including 157 structures lost in Pueblo County and 55 homes lost in Custer County. The numbers are hard to take in, but behind every number is someone’s life, their photographs, their porches, their barns, their trees, and their sense of safety.

Still, even in the middle of so much loss, Southern Colorado keeps showing its heart. Neighbors are helping neighbors. People are opening trailers, pastures, homes, and donation sites. Firefighters and first responders are working long, exhausting hours to protect communities, livestock, wildlife, and homes.

Today I am praying for calmer winds, gentle rain, clear direction for fire crews, safety for every evacuee, and comfort for everyone who has lost so much.

May Beulah and all our mountain communities be held close.
May the firefighters be protected.
May the animals find shelter.
May the smoke lift.
May hope rise from the ashes.
And may Southern Colorado continue to stand together, strong and kind.

Colorado strong ❤️