Colorado crews get more containment on Aspen Acres Fire burning near Pueblo
Crews got more containment on the Aspen Acres Fire burning in southern Colorado early Monday morning as the wildfire continued to grow. According to fire officials, the fire has burned 91,523 acres as of 7 a.m. Monday, just one week after it sparked in Custer County.
The fire has forced the evacuation of several towns in Custer, Pueblo, Fremont and Huerfano counties, including Colorado City, Rye, Beulah and San Isabel.
According to the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team, gusty, erratic winds from passing thunderstorms increased fire behavior on Sunday. Firefighters worked through the night to protect structures, and they were able to establish a fireline around the Greenwood area and Wetmore.
On Monday, firefighters are in position to engage flare-ups, according to fire officials. Vegetation remains extemely dry and may ignite when flare-ups occur. Wind gusts from storm cells could increase active fire behavior.
The wildland fire was 12% contained as of Monday morning, with 1374 personnel fighting the fire. The Aspen Acres Fire is the seventh-largest in Colorado history.
Firefighters have been working to protect people and property, but the very active, fast-moving fire has destroyed more than 150 homes and other structures so far.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office has asked evacuees to cut fences and give the animals a chance to survive if they can't take them.
Fire officials said the fire has reached approximately 200 yards from Bishop Castle, a popular roadside attraction outside of Rye. The whimsical stone and iron structure features large arched windows, tall towers, elaborate metalwork, and raised walkways that offer scenic views of the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.
Fire crews from California joined the firefight over the weekend. A total of 15 Cal Fire engines and crews, one agency representative and a mechanic were en route to Colorado on Saturday morning. Crews are expected to remain in Colorado for at least two weeks.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Custer and Pueblo counties as well as the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
