The Aspen Acres Fire has continued to move west and north toward Rye, and the situation remains heartbreaking for Pueblo and Custer counties. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire had grown to more than 28,000 acres and was still not contained. Updates on new acreage consumed by the fire has not yet been updated. One Westcliffe firefighter has been injured, and officials reported the loss of 55 structures in Custer County and more than 100 in Pueblo County.
Hundreds of firefighters from across the country are expected to come into the area in the days and weeks ahead to help battle this fire. Winds continue to be a major challenge, and while a little rain fell in the afternoon, our communities are still facing dangerous conditions.
Even in the middle of so much loss, Colorado’s strength is showing. Surrounding communities, towns, and cities across the state have opened their homes and their hearts, sheltering people, pets, and livestock. My heart is with everyone who has lost so much, everyone waiting for news, and every firefighter and first responder working to protect lives, homes, land, and animals.
Please keep praying for Colorado, Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, Pueblo County, Custer County, the evacuees, the animals, and the firefighters.
Colorado strong ❤️