Colorado Aspen Acres Fire Declared Nation's Top Firefighting Priority

A 50,187‑acre wildfire, called the Aspen Acres Fire, is burning across Pueblo and Custer counties in Colorado. State officials have designated it the nation's No. 1 firefighting priority, deploying over 1,000 personnel, large air tankers, helicopters, bulldozers and water tenders. Governor Jared Polis announced a verbal disaster declaration and a federal Fire Management Assistance grant covering 75% of eligible firefighting costs, estimated at $15 million.

The fire, believed to be human‑caused, has destroyed more than 160 structures, with officials warning that the count could approach 200. Evacuations remain in effect for the towns of Beulah, Rye, San Isabel and surrounding areas. Lake Pueblo State Park is restricting boating to allow aircraft water‑drops; park rangers are marking off‑limits zones and asking boaters to stay at least half a mile from the dam. Authorities have urged residents to avoid fireworks and open flames over the Fourth of July weekend to prevent further incidents.