Aspen Acres Fire

Fire has grown to 96,031 acres, 15% contained - the 7th-largest wildfire in Colorado history. 1,677 personnel now assigned; 275 structures confirmed destroyed (192 in Pueblo County, 83 in Custer). Evacuation status downgraded for areas near Colorado City, with re-entry permits beginning for some residents; Rockvale, Coal Creek and Williamsburg (Fremont County) moved to pre-evacuation. A flash flood watch remains a concern on the burn scar through the week.

Containment climbed from 6% to 13% over the weekend, with progress concentrated along the fire's eastern edge near Turtle Buttes and the St. Charles River. About 800 personnel were on scene under Alaska Complex IMT1, described as shifting from a defensive posture to actively getting ahead of the fire in places. Fire size held near 87,000 acres.

86,983 acres, 6% contained as of 4:45 p.m. Saturday - the first reported containment since ignition. Roughly 734 personnel assigned, up more than 300 from the prior day. Milder weather (higher humidity, more cloud cover) slowed growth to roughly 1,000 acres for the day after a 10,000-acre run Friday night.

Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command as the fire passed 66,000-74,000 acres, becoming Colorado's top firefighting priority and among its largest fires on record. FEMA authorized funds covering up to 75% of firefighting costs. Over 180 structures confirmed destroyed, concentrated in the Beulah Valley and Colorado City.

Fire reported approximately 6:00 a.m. near the Aspen Acres Campground, San Isabel National Forest, about 10 miles NW of Rye, CO. Driven by 40+ mph winds (gusts to roughly 100 mph) amid record-low fuel moisture and red flag conditions, it grew past 23,000 acres the same day.