Colorado, United States: A rapidly spreading wildfire in southern Colorado has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and destroyed more than 160 structures as firefighters battle extreme fire conditions driven by strong winds, prolonged drought, and dry vegetation.
The Aspen Acres Fire, burning southwest of Denver across Pueblo and Custer counties, has expanded to approximately 115 square miles (297 sq km) and remains 0% contained, making it one of nearly 40 large uncontained wildfires currently burning across the western United States.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Colorado City and the nearby communities of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel. Authorities have urged residents to leave immediately as shifting winds continue to fuel the fire and threaten additional homes and infrastructure.
Emergency response efforts have intensified, with helicopters and air crews drawing water from the Pueblo Reservoir to slow the blaze. Around 50 Colorado National Guard personnel have also been deployed to assist with road checkpoints, public safety operations, and securing water-scooping zones for firefighting aircraft.
Elsewhere in the region, firefighters have contained about 65% of the Snyder Fire along the Colorado–Utah border, where three members of a helitack crew were killed last week. In neighboring Utah, the Cottonwood Fire has grown to around 147 square miles (380 sq km), while the Babylon Fire has expanded to approximately 133 square miles (344 sq km).
Officials warned that hot, dry, and windy weather is expected to persist, increasing the risk of further wildfire spread across the western United States. Investigations into the causes of the fires remain ongoing.