Evacuations ordered in southern Colorado for Aspen Acres Fire
UPDATE: The Aspen Acres Fire had grown to 22,827 acres by Tuesday morning.
Evacuations were ordered Monday morning in southern Colorado for the Aspen Acres Fire burning in Custer County. According to the Rye fire chief, an emergency fire evacuation has been declared for the Aspen Acres neighborhood in southeast Custer County.
The entire town of Beulah has been ordered to evacuate after an initial evacuation order that included residents from Aspen Acres along Highway 165 to Old San Isabel Road was expanded.
Bishop Castle is included in that evacuation area. The roadside attraction is located on Highway 165. 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.
Highway 165 is closed from the San Isabel Dam to mile marker 15 due to the fire.
Fire officials said several fire agencies have responded to the wildland fire, which grew to nearly 23,000 acres on Monday with 0% containment. Winds in the area are strong, and conditions may change quickly, according to fire officials.
"Due to the high winds of approximately 100 miles per hour, no air support is currently available. An unspecified number of structures have been affected by the fire. If you have livestock but no means to transport them, it is encouraged to cut your fences," said the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.
There is a second fire burning in Custer County near Isabel Lake. Fire officials said both fires are growing rapidly.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued another Air Quality Health Advisory in effect for locations upwind of the Aspen Acres Fire. Moderate to heavy smoke is possible through at least Tuesday morning.
Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero announced that Pueblo County is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions which include the prohibitive use and sale of fireworks, no smoking, no open flames.
An evacuation center has been set up in Pueblo County at 1650 Cooper Place. Household pets are being accepted. An evacuation site for large animals has been set up at 4 Bar S, 6675 Hwy 78 W.
The YMCA of Pueblo is offering evacuees a free place to rest, charge their electronics, and access free wifi during their regular hours of operation. They're also offering free family-friendly activities for children and adults. Evacuees must provide proof of evacuation, and parents or guardians must remain with their children at all times.
Custer County is located about 150 miles south of Denver.
