Colorado wildfire forces evacuation of over 2,000 residents
The Aspen Acres Fire, now covering 272 square kilometres, has destroyed more than 160 structures and prompted evacuations in Colorado City and nearby communities.
A rapidly spreading wildfire southwest of Denver has forced the evacuation of roughly 2,200 people from Colorado City and surrounding towns including Beulah, Rye and San Isabel. The blaze, named the Aspen Acres Fire, grew to 272 square kilometres (105 square miles) by Friday, destroying over 160 structures.
State officials said strong winds have reduced visibility on Interstate 25 to as little as half a mile, prompting travel advisories. About 50 Colorado National Guard soldiers have been deployed to man road checkpoints in Pueblo and Custer counties and to protect the Pueblo Reservoir, where crews are drawing water for firefighting efforts.
Investigators have determined the fire was human-caused, though further details have not been released. The incident is one of roughly 40 large fires burning across the western United States, including the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border and Utah’s Cottonwood and Babylon fires, which together have burned hundreds of square kilometres.
Wildfire smoke advisories remain in effect, and fire restrictions have led to the cancellation of several professional fireworks displays ahead of the Fourth of July. The National Weather Service kept Red Flag Warnings in place, citing hot, dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds, while forecasters noted that upcoming moisture could reduce fire risk but raise flash-flood concerns in recently burned areas.
