Tag: Firefighters

From Ashes to Home: Beulah, Pueblo Mountain Park, and the Long Road Back

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Beulah and Aspen Acres Fire Update

There is finally more hopeful news for Beulah and the communities affected by the Aspen Acres Fire, though the road ahead is still long. As of the latest Sunday morning update, the fire has crossed the 100,000-acre mark and is reported at 100,224 acres with 61% containment, a major improvement from the 48% reported earlier. More than 1,600 firefighters and support personnel remain assigned to the fire.

Beulah has reopened, and residents no longer need re-entry cards to return, though officials are asking people who do not need to be there to give the community space as recovery begins. Many families are returning to homes, smoke damage, spoiled food, unsafe trees, ash, and the heartbreaking reality of what has been lost. For others, there is no home to return to. KOAA’s latest roundup reported more than 850 structures lost, including hundreds of homes across Pueblo and Custer counties.

Even with the progress, many families are still displaced. Officials reported that thousands of people have been driven from their homes by this fire, and although phased re-entry continues in Pueblo and Custer counties, many residents near Rye are still waiting to return. Firefighters remain especially focused on the west and southwest sides of the fire, where crews are working to keep the flames from spreading toward Rye and San Isabel.

Evacuation conditions continue to change. Huerfano County has eased the evacuation order in the Libre area, moving residents there to pre-evacuation status, but other areas remain under evacuation or restricted access. Officials continue to urge residents to follow county guidance and check official evacuation maps before returning.

The fire is not over, but this update brings some much-needed hope. Containment has increased, more families are beginning the difficult journey home, and firefighters continue to work around the clock to protect Rye, San Isabel, Beulah, and the surrounding mountain communities.

The Loss at Pueblo Mountain Park

One of the most heartbreaking losses for many of us is the damage to beloved Pueblo Mountain Park. Tucked into Beulah Valley about 30 miles west of Pueblo, the park has long been a peaceful mountain refuge for hiking, wildlife watching, family gatherings, retreats, weddings, school trips, and quiet days under the pines.

Pueblo Mountain Park has been part of Southern Colorado’s story for more than a century. The City of Pueblo purchased roughly 600 acres near Beulah to create the park, and later Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Work Projects Administration (WPA) crews helped build many of the historic features people came to love, including the Horseshoe Lodge, pavilion, and stonework throughout the park.

Sadly, officials and local reporting confirmed that the historic Horseshoe Lodge burned in the Aspen Acres Fire. For generations, that lodge was more than a building. It was a gathering place, a retreat center, a memory keeper, and part of the heart of the mountain park.

The loss of Pueblo Mountain Park is difficult to put into words. So many people found peace there among the trees, trails, wildflowers, birds, and quiet mountain air. Like Beulah itself, the park held memories for families across Southern Colorado. Its loss is not just physical; it is emotional, historical, and deeply personal.

Still, I believe places like this carry a spirit that fire cannot fully take. The trails, the land, the memories, and the people who love Pueblo Mountain Park will remain part of Beulah’s story. In time, I pray there will be healing, restoration, and a way for this treasured place to welcome people back again.

Tonight, my prayers remain with every family displaced by this fire, every person returning to loss, every firefighter on the line, and every neighbor helping another neighbor through the ashes.

May the winds stay calm.
May the firefighters be protected.
May the families still waiting be brought home safely.
May those who lost so much be surrounded with love.
And may Beulah and all of Southern Colorado rise again, strong and steady.

Colorado strong ❤️

Monetary Donations: Can be sent to the United Way Southern Colorado.

Works Cited

Benzel, Lance. “Aspen Acres Fire Surpasses 100,000 Acres as Crews Increase Containment to

More than 60%.” The Colorado Sun, 18 July 2026.

Chalfin, Andrea, and Briana Heaney. “Aspen Acres Fire: Evacuation Notices Expand as Fire

Grows to More than 50,000 Acres.” Colorado Public Radio, 2 July 2026.

“Pueblo Mountain Park.” City of Pueblo, Pueblo County Historical Society and State Historical

Fund.

“Pueblo Mountain Park Marks 100 Years.” Colorado Public Radio, 15 January 2020.

Sintas, Tyson, Aspen Andrews, Bryce Patterson, Aaron Vitatoe, and Lindsey Grewe. “‘Aspen

Acres Fire’ Holds Steady at Just over 100K Acres, 61 Percent Containment as More Evacuees

Allowed Home.” KKTV 11 News, 29 June 2026, updated 18 July 2026.

Wildfires Know No Borders

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant4 Comments

To our nation’s leaders: Take care of the wildfires burning here at home, before pointing any fingers! And do not turn your backs on Canada.

Have you forgotten how often Canadian firefighters and pilots have crossed our border to help us? Just days ago, Canadian helicopter pilot Nicholas Dale lost his life while helping fight a wildfire in Colorado.

Wildfires do not recognize borders, and neither should compassion. Canada has stood beside us during our times of need. Now it is our turn to stand beside Canada.

Stop pointing fingers. Do better. Send Canada help.

Aspen Fire Update: A Step Toward Home

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant3 Comments

There is finally some hopeful news in the middle of this long and heartbreaking fire. As of Monday morning, July 13, the Aspen Acres Fire has burned 98,609 acres and is now 36% contained, with 1,915 personnel working the fire. Firefighters continue to strengthen containment lines, put out hot spots, and protect the communities still in harm’s way.

The biggest news is that phased re-entry is beginning for many Beulah residents. Those allowed to return must have a re-entry card or photo ID with proof of residency, and officials continue to remind everyone to check the evacuation map and follow all local instructions before heading back. Even for those returning, this is not a simple homecoming. Many will be going back to smoke, ash, damage, uncertainty, and the painful first look at what the fire has taken.

Some evacuation areas have been downgraded to pre-evacuation, including Colorado City, Signal Mountain, 3R Road, and several areas near Lake Beckwith and Highway 165. Fremont County has also moved all evacuation areas there to pre-evacuation status, but officials warn that conditions can still change quickly because this remains an active fire.

Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, parts of Wetmore, Aspen Acres, South Pine Drive, North Creek, Lazy Acres, Bishop’s Castle, and other affected areas are still listed under evacuation, so residents should not return unless they are officially cleared. Rye residents, in particular, are being asked to wait longer before returning.

The losses are still difficult to comprehend. Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District confirmed the loss of 193 primary residences, and officials have reported hundreds of homes and structures lost across Pueblo and Custer counties. Behind every number is someone’s home, their photographs, their porches, their barns, and the quiet pieces of daily life that cannot be replaced.

Still, today brings a small step toward home. Not an end to the fire. Not an end to the grief. But a step. And for a community that has waited, worried, prayed, and watched the smoke rise over the mountains, that step matters.

Today, I am praying for every family returning home, every family who has no home to return to, every firefighter still on the line, and every animal and neighbor affected by this fire.

May the winds stay calm.
May the rain come gently.
May the firefighters be protected.
May those returning home find strength for what waits ahead.
And may Beulah rise again, held by the love of all who call her home.

Colorado strong ❤️

Monetary Donations: Can be sent to the United Way Southern Colorado.

Works Cited

Hulting, Aidan, Ashleigh Quintana, and James Gavato. “More Evacuations Downgraded to Pre-

Evacs, Aspen Acres Fire 36% Contained.” KOAA News5, 13 July 2026.

Villegas, Andrew. “Aspen Acres Fire: Officials Prepare to Let Beulah Residents Return as Fire

Growth Slows.” Colorado Public Radio, 12 July 2026.

Aspen Fire Update: The Long Road Ahead

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant5 Comments

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.

Aspen Fire Update: Holding Our Communities Close

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

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 ❤️

Beulah Update: Praying for Our Mountain Home

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

My heart is still with Beulah today.

The Aspen Acres Fire has continued to grow through the Wet Mountains and down to the valleys and open prairies, burning more than 86,000 acres across Pueblo, Custer, Huerfano, and Fremont counties. Officials report the fire is still at zero containment, and evacuation orders remain in place for many communities, including Beulah, Rye, San Isabel Colorado City, Wetmore, and surrounding areas. Thousands of people have been displaced, and more than 180 structures have been lost.

It is hard to find the right words for a place that has always felt like peace. Beulah is not just a dot on a map. It is a sweet mountain town filled with kind people, quiet roads, wildlife, trees, memories, and that feeling you get when your soul can finally breathe. For many of us, Beulah is our happy place. Today, that makes this loss feel deeply personal.

Fire crews continue to work in difficult conditions. Over 600 firefighters are now assigned to the fire, and crews have been building containment lines, protecting homes, and using water drops from Pueblo Reservoir to slow the flames. Weather remains a concern, with dry conditions, possible thunderstorms, and wind gusts that could cause more fire growth.

On this Fourth of July, as so many people would normally be celebrating, I hope we remember the families who are waiting for news, the evacuees who are far from home, the firefighters standing between flames and neighborhoods, and the animals and wildlife caught in the middle of it all.

Please continue to pray for Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, Colorado City, Wetmore, Bishop’s Castle and every surrounding community touched by this fire. Pray for the people who have lost homes, land, memories, and a sense of safety. Pray for the firefighters, deputies, emergency workers, pilots, volunteers, and everyone working long hours to help.

May the winds calm.
May the smoke lift.
May the rain come gently.
May every person and animal find shelter.
May those who have lost so much feel surrounded by love.
And may our beautiful Beulah rise again, held by the strength of the mountains and the hearts of the people who love her.

Colorado strong ❤️

Note: This photo was shared in a post by Robert Bradford, whose home was spared in the Aspen Acres Fire here in Colorado. The picture itself was taken at his neighbor’s property, where a dry tree stump topped with a carved wooden eagle somehow survived the flames. Sadly, his neighbor’s home was lost in the fire.

To me, this image speaks boldly. It is both heartbreaking and powerful, a symbol of loss, survival, and hope rising from the ashes. I wanted to share it because it tells such a bittersweet story.

Photo credit: Robert Bradford.

Monetary Donations: Can be sent to the United Way Southern Colorado.

A Prayer for Colorado

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Colorado is hurting today. Across our beautiful state, wildfires have burned nearly 127,000 acres, leaving smoke in the air, fear in many hearts, and entire communities waiting for word about homes, land, animals, and loved ones. The Aspen Acres Fire has become the largest active fire in the state, burning over 50,000 acres with no containment reported, and mandatory evacuations remain in place for Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, Wetmore, and parts of Colorado City. At least 180 structures have been lost, and officials expect that number may rise as crews are able to safely assess the damage.

My heart is especially with the small mountain communities that have been forced to leave behind the places they love. Beulah, Rye, Wetmore, Colorado City, San Isabel, and the surrounding areas are more than names on a map. They are homes, memories, family places, quiet roads, mountain views, pastures, wildlife, and neighbors who look out for one another.

Today, I am praying for every person who has been evacuated, every family waiting for answers, and every heart grieving what has already been lost. I am praying for the safety of livestock, pets, and wildlife trying to escape the flames. I am praying for strength, protection, and rest for the firefighters, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, volunteers, and neighbors who are giving everything they have to help.

Lord, please wrap Colorado in Your protection. Bring calmer winds, cooler air, and gentle rain where it is needed most. Give courage to those who are afraid, comfort to those who have lost homes, and hope to those who do not yet know what tomorrow will bring. Watch over our mountain towns, our firefighters, our animals, our families, and all who call this beautiful state home.

Colorado is strong, but today Colorado needs our prayers, our compassion, and our help. Please keep these communities close in your heart.

Colorado strong ❤️

Update on the Aspen Acres Fire

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

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 ❤️