Aspen Acres Fire Update Aug. 5: Fire Reaches 71% Containment, Evacuations Mostly Cleared in Colorado

Description: The Aspen Acres Fire near Rye, Colorado, is 71% contained at 101,961 acres. Most evacuation orders have been lifted as crews continue suppression repair and mop-up operations.


Published: 1 hour ago
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire Daily Update – August 5, 2026
 
Fire Information: 719-697-8353 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO
Start Date: June 29, 2026
Size: 101,961 acres
Containment: 71%, Total Personnel: 320
 
KEY MESSAGES
 
As of 7:00 a.m. today, a Type 3 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Aspen Acres Fire. Incident Commander Tim Ross leads the incoming team, and the Incident Command Post (ICP) is being established in Cañon City, Colorado. This transition is expected to be seamless, as many staff members from the departing team will remain on the incident to work alongside IC Ross, ensuring continuity of operations and a sustained commitment to the communities affected by the fire.
 
The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been reduced to a 7‑nautical‑mile radius and is now in effect only during daytime hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
All evacuation statuses for the Aspen Acres fire have been updated to cleared, with the exception of zones C1, C2, and FS-5, which remain in pre-evacuation status. Residents are encouraged to refer to their local County Sheriff’s Office for the most up-to-date evacuation maps and specific re-entry information. The U.S. Forest Service Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Fire Area Closure remain in effect.
 
CURRENT SITUATION
 
Throughout the fire area, crews are conducting suppression repair. These efforts include clearing logs and limbs, moving slash piles, and performing chipping operations. Crews are also recovering and removing equipment, such as hoses and pumps, that is no longer needed on the fireline.
 
On the southern perimeter, firefighters utilized infrared technology to identify lingering heat sources, enabling crews to mop up and finish securing primary containment lines. This successful work resulted in an increase in the fire's overall containment percentage. Due to heavy concentrations of dead and down fuels, heat and smoke are expected to persist within the fire's interior for an extended duration. Firefighters continue to mop up and patrol to ensure the fire remains within its established footprint.
 
WEATHER
 
There is a chance of thunderstorms in today's forecast, though the likelihood is decreasing as the air becomes drier. If storms develop, the primary concerns will be lightning and sudden gusty winds. Warmer and drier weather is expected as we move into the weekend.
 
CLOSURE AND EVACUATIONS
 
There is a Fire Area Closure on the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike, San Isabel, Comanche and Cimarron National Forest was reduced. The Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness is now open with access only through the Bartlett and Greenhorn trailheads out of Rye. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../aspen-acres-fire-area-closure.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place above the fire area. Flying any aircraft within the TFR is prohibited. This includes the use of drones, or unmanned aerial systems. For evacuation information please visit Pueblo County: www.puebloemergency.info, Custer County: https://www.facebook.com/CCSOAdmin, or Huerfano County: https://huerfano.us/aspen-acres-fire-rye-huerfano/ .
 
AIR QUALITY
 
Air quality will be good to moderate today. Long distance smoke from the northwest fires will cause conditions to fluctuate today. Light, terrain-driven winds will move the haze around at different times of the day, depending on location. To get daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
 


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