[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]

4 clusters · 9 sources · 37 days · First seen · Last updated

Colorado Aspen Acres wildfire and subsequent flood risks

Overview

In mid‑July 2026, the Aspen Acres fire in Pueblo and Custer counties became the seventh‑largest wildfire in Colorado history, burning more than 99,000‑101,000 acres and destroying over 300 homes and 800 structures. By July 17, the blaze was about 61% contained, prompting a multi‑agency mutual‑aid response and an emergency power shutoff near the smaller Big Gulch fire. Colorado lawmakers passed insurance reforms to speed claim processing for affected homeowners, and the disaster‑tracking app Watch Duty saw increased use. Five days later, containment remained at 61% while crews continued bulldozer lines, hand crews, and aerial support. A new quarter‑acre “Salt fire” ignited nearby and was being encircled with defensive lines. The National Weather Service issued flash‑flood warnings for the burn scar, warning of rapid runoff, debris flows, and possible road washouts in communities such as Beulah. Residents were urged to avoid flood waters and prepare for further hazards. By mid-August, the threat of flooding persisted as the National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings and watches across southeastern Colorado. Heavy thunderstorms threatened the Middle Aspen Acres Burn Scar, spanning Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, and Pueblo counties. Forecasters warned that excessive rainfall could trigger life-threatening debris flows of rock, mud, and vegetation through several drainages, including North Saint Charles, South Creek, Squirrel Creek, Middle Creek, and North Creek. High-risk areas included Beulah, Highway 165, and Highway 78, while a separate flash flood warning was issued for the Purgatoire River Basin in Northeastern Las Animas County. By late August, life-threatening flash flood warnings continued for Custer and Pueblo Counties due to heavy rain over the Middle Aspen Acres Burn Scar. Debris flows were expected through several drainages, with high-risk areas identified in Beulah and San Isabel.

Entities

National Weather Service · Pueblo County · Custer County · Aspen Acres Burn Scar · Las Animas County

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Colorado counties face flash flood and thunderstorm warnings

    Flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorm alerts have been issued for Custer, Pueblo, and El Paso Counties in Colorado, with high risks of debris flows near the Middle Aspen Acres Burn Scar.

  2. 13 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Colorado flash flood warnings issued for Aspen Acres Burn Scar

    Flash flood warnings and watches are in effect for southeastern Colorado, with life-threatening debris flows expected near the Aspen Acres Burn Scar due to heavy thunderstorm rainfall.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire Triggers Flood and Fire Weather Alerts

    Colorado's Aspen Acres wildfire, 101,546 acres and 61% contained, faces a new Salt fire and flash‑flood warnings as heavy rain threatens debris flows in the burn scar.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 5 sources
    Colorado wildfires scorch 200,000 acres, destroy over 300 homes

    Colorado wildfires have burned over 200,000 acres, with the Aspen Acres Fire destroying 300+ homes and prompting insurance reforms and power shutoffs.

Sources

aspentimes.com · cedarnews.net · coloradosun.com · drdianeduncan.com · hawaiitribune-herald.com · krdo.com · steamboatpilot.com · summitdaily.com · timesnownews.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history