Wildfires in Colorado have destroyed more than 180 buildings, with strong winds making the fires spread quickly. Mike Morgan, Colorado's Director of Fire Prevention and Control, said he had never seen such conditions. The main concern is the Aspen Acres Fire, which started on June 29, 2026, in Custer County. It has become the largest wildfire in the state, covering about 50,000 acres. High winds and very low humidity have made it impossible to control.
At least 180 structures have burned, including 125 in Pueblo County and 55 in Custer County. The historic Horseshoe Lodge was destroyed. Over 2,700 homes in Pueblo County have been evacuated. People in the towns of Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and Wetmore were ordered to leave. The Aspen Acres fire is now the highest priority fire in the country.
More than 300 firefighters are working to control the blaze. A special team from Alaska has arrived to help manage the situation. Firefighters are waiting for the winds to calm down so they can use aircraft to drop water and fire retardant. Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency to get more help.
This fire is part of a larger problem. Six major wildfires are burning in Colorado, covering about 129,000 acres in total. A dry winter in 2025 and 2026 has left the land very dry and prone to fire. Other large fires are burning in Utah and Colorado, including the Snyder Fire, which caused the deaths of three firefighters.