Tag: Rockvale Colorado

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 ❤️