Aspen Acres Fire Remains 72% Contained as Heavy Rain Raises Flood, Debris Flow Risk

Description: The Aspen Acres Fire remains 72% contained at 102,004 acres as monsoon storms increase flooding and debris-flow concerns near Beulah and Lake Isabel...


Published: 1 hour ago
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire Update – August 13, 2026
 
 
Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 5
Incident Commanders Jon Warder and Justin McArthur (trainee)
 
Fire Information: (719) 697-8353 Operational Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Size: 102,004 acres | Containment: 72% | Cause: Human | Start Date: June 29, 2026
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO | Total Personnel: 136
 
KEY MESSAGES
 
Heavy rainfall is expected across the Aspen Acres Fire area this week as strong thunderstorms move through the region. Heavy rainfall may produce rapid runoff, increasing the risk of flooding in and around burned areas. Residents and travelers along Highways 165 and 78, as well as those in the communities of Isabel and Beulah, should remain alert and monitor conditions for possible flooding.
 
A fire area closure remains in effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, San Carlos Ranger District. The closure will likely continue for at least two weeks while most fire-suppression rehabilitation work is completed. After that, forest officials will assess conditions and determine whether the closure can be lifted or needs to remain in effect.
 
CURRENT SITUATION
 
Heavy equipment crews continue suppression repair, hazard mitigation, and work to maintain safe access routes as monsoon activity intensifies across the area. During the next 72 hours, moisture-rich thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, flooding, debris flows, and challenging travel conditions that could impact both operations and roadway access. Crews remain focused on maintaining access to critical infrastructure, protecting essential equipment, and addressing weather-related hazards to help keep firefighters and the public safe.
 
WEATHER
 
A strengthening monsoon pattern will bring increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms through Friday. Heavy rainfall, lightning, gusty and erratic winds, and localized flooding are possible each afternoon and evening, with some areas receiving wetting rains. Temperatures will remain in the upper 60s to low 70s, and relative humidity will stay elevated. Smoke dispersal will be poor overall, with only brief improvements around midday. Strong winds and heavy rain may affect fire operations and create safety concerns for firefighters and the recreating public.
 
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
 
A fire area closure remains in effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, San Carlos Ranger District, except for the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, which is open and accessible 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 over the fire area. The TFR was reduced today and now covers a 7-nautical-mile radius centered on the southwest corner of the fire. It is active during daytime hours only, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This restriction applies to all aircraft, including drones and other unmanned aerial systems.
 
AIR QUALITY For daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
 
Aspen Acres Fire Information:
Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Phone: (719) 697-8353 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
 


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