The Aspen Acres Fire, which officials have said is completely uncontrolled, surpassed 50,000 acres on Thursday and has already destroyed more than 180 structures. Photo by Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office
The Aspen Acres fire in Colorado has surpassed 50,000 acres as evacuations spread to a wider area and the state warns residents of significant air quality issues because of smoke.
The fire, which started on Monday, had covered 50,187 acres and destroyed at least 180 structures by early Thursday after doubling in size during the previous 24 hours, Colorado Public Radio and CBS News reported.
Buelah, Rye, Wetmore and San Isabel all have been evacuated, and Colorado City has been listed on a pre-evacuation notice, as officials work to get people out of the blaze’s way.
“There will be additional structures lost,” Phil Daniels, an official with the state’s Department of Fire Prevention and Control, said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators said that they believe the completely uncontained fire was human-caused but did not offer details as the investigation is ongoing.
Colorado has been promoting various assistance programs for people who have experienced hardship because of the wildfires, including shelters, mental health care and financial assistance, and is warning people to be aware of the health risk from smoke that is blanketing large areas.
“Colorado’s air quality is being impacted by wildfire smoke,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a post on X on Wednesday.
“We’re urging Coloradens — especially those with respiratory conditions, children and older adults — to limit outdoor activity and stay informed as conditions change,” Polis said. “Colorado is coordinating across state and local agencies to track air quality in real time.”
Officials said they expected wind gusts up to 30 miles-per-hour on Thursday, and forecasters have blamed the difficult fire’s quick spread to what was a dry winter that saw the Rockies get less than 25% of the snowfall that would normally be expected, Fox Weather reported.
This week in Washington
News anchors are seen outside the Supreme Court of the United States as the court releases their final opinions before summer recess on Tuesday. The court upheld birthright citizenship and also state laws banning transgender women and girls from playing on school athletic teams. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
