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Aspen Acres Fire Update July 9: Fire Reaches 96,121 Acres, 14% Contained Near Rye, Colorado
Description: The Aspen Acres Fire is now 96,121 acres and 14% contained as crews protect Rye, Greenwood, Wetmore, and nearby communities. Flash flood concerns, evacuations, fire restrictions, and air quality updates remain in effect.
Aspen Acres Fire Update
Thursday, July 9, 2026 – 8:00 a.m.
Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1
Jake Livingston, Incident Commander
Size: 96,121 | Containment: 14% | Total Personnel: Approximately 1831
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO in Custer and Pueblo Counties
Reported: June 29, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. | Cause: Human, Under Investigation
Fire Information Phone Line: 719.697.8353 | Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Fire Update: Firefighters went on the offensive Wednesday to secure dozer line that stretches over a large portion of the fire's northern edge and protect the communities of Greenwood and Wetmore. Hotshot crews implemented firing operations to remove fuel between the fire and the dozer line. Firefighters also worked directly along the fire's edge to put in handline, while other crews extinguished hotspots that remained following a wind-driven northward push by the fire on Tuesday. Structure protection crews are also working to reduce potential fire impact on homes and other buildings in the area.
Along the northeast edge, the uncontained eastern edge, and southern edge, firefighters will continue mopping up hot spots on Thursday. Crews are also patrolling residential areas, looking to identify any sources of heat that could threaten homes and other structures. On Thursday crews in Beulah are walking parallel lines to methodically check areas of ground for remaining heat, a task known as gridding. This is an important step in the process of fire containment.
West of Rye, firefighters are looking at opportunities to build handline along fire that is established south of Highway 165. Dozer crews are also working nearby, pushing in line to help protect Rye from fire impact. Farther north, crews are working to protect homes and ranch structures near Highway 165 north of Middle Creek. The fire has moved west toward this area in recent days. Dozer lines are being constructed to the east of Highway 165 to help protect the highway corridor.
Weather: Afternoon storms on Wednesday dropped significant moisture onto the northern and southern divisions of the fire. Showers and thundershowers are expected over the fire on Thursday, and a flash flood watch has been issued from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the fire area. The storms may also cause strong outflow wind gusts that could cause erratic fire activity.
Fire Behavior: Wednesday's precipitation along with higher relative humidity levels should reduce the chance of ignitions and fire spread on Thursday.
Fire Restrictions & Closures: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Custer and Pueblo Counties, as well as on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. There is an Aspen Acres Fire Area Closure for the San Carlos Ranger District. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/alerts/aspen-acres-fire-area-closure
Evacuations: Evacuations and pre-evacuations are in place across Custer, Pueblo, Fremont, and Huerfano Counties. Please call the Joint Information Center (JIC) at 719-583-4640 for information about closures, evacuations, Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) information, and more for Pueblo and Custer Counties. Huerfano and Fremont County residents should visit their county's social media pages or call 719-738-1044 for Huerfano County dispatch and 719-276-7421 for the Fremont County Emergency Operations Center.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place above the fire area. Flying any aircraft within the TFR is prohibited. This includes the use of drones, or unmanned aerial systems.
Air Quality: An Air Resource Advisor is assigned to the incident and assessing where communities may be impacted by smoke. To get daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/
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