The Aspen Acres Fire remains a heartbreaking and active situation for Beulah and the surrounding Southern Colorado communities. As of Thursday morning, the fire was mapped at 96,121 acres with 14% containment, and 1,831 personnel were assigned to the incident. Officials say the latest numbers come from the Aspen Acres Fire 2026 page managed by emergency teams.
There has been some hopeful news. Rain, humidity, and cooler temperatures gave firefighters a much-needed break from the intense fire activity, but officials made it clear that the moisture was not enough to put the fire out. Crews are still working hard, and they are also being cautious because mud and slide risks can make overnight work more dangerous.
Fire officials have also reminded people that contained does not mean out. Even if the fire reaches full containment in the coming weeks, smoke and heat may remain inside the burn area for months, and some remote places could continue to hold heat into winter. This will be a long road for Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, Wetmore, Colorado City, Florence-area communities, and all the families waiting to return home.
The damage is devastating. Officials have reported at least 275 homes lost in Pueblo and Custer counties, and the Beulah Fire Chief reported that 193 primary residences in Beulah alone were burned. Crews are also working to remove dangerous trees before residents can safely return.
There is some movement on evacuations. Rockvale, Coal Creek, and Williamsburg have been downgraded from evacuation orders to pre-evacuation status, but areas including Fremont County Roads 15, 100, and 103, Newlin Ridge Road, Los Pinos subdivision, and Lock Mountain Estates remain under evacuation orders. A mandatory curfew is still in place for impacted areas from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Tonight, my heart is with every family waiting for news, every firefighter on the line, every animal displaced, and every neighbor grieving what has been lost. Beulah has always been a place of peace, beauty, and community. Now, more than ever, may that same strong mountain spirit carry her people through.
May the winds stay calm.
May the rain come gently.
May the firefighters be protected.
May families be comforted.
And may Beulah rise again, one act of kindness at a time.
Colorado strong ❤️
Monetary Donations: Can be sent to the United Way Southern Colorado.