A wildfire burning southwest of Denver has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and destroyed more than 160 structures, according to officials from Pueblo County. The Aspen Acres fire expanded overnight by 17 square miles, bringing it to nearly 105 square miles (272 square kilometers) with zero containment as of Friday.
The blaze is one of about 40 uncontained large wildfires burning mostly across the Western United States. Officials say months of dry weather and a record lack of snow this past winter have created conditions ripe for rapid fire spread throughout the region.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican officials from Colorado and Utah have emphasized the importance of local control and rapid response capabilities. Governor Jared Polis's office highlighted the deployment of National Guard resources to support checkpoint operations and firefighting efforts. Some conservative voices have called for expanded logging and forest management programs to reduce fuel loads, arguing that better land stewardship can prevent catastrophic wildfires.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic lawmakers from Colorado have called for increased federal wildfire mitigation funding as climate scientists point to warming temperatures and prolonged drought cycles increasing wildfire frequency and intensity. Representative Brittany Pettersen of Colorado said in a statement that communities in Pueblo County need 'every available resource' to protect residents. Environmental advocates argue that decades of fire suppression policies and climate change are driving larger, more destructive fires across the American West.
What the Numbers Show
The Aspen Acres fire has consumed nearly 105 square miles (272 square kilometers) with zero percent containment as of Friday morning. More than 160 structures have been destroyed. Approximately 50 National Guard soldiers were deployed to assist with road checkpoints in Custer and Pueblo counties. All of Colorado City, an unincorporated community of about 2,200 residents, was ordered evacuated along with the towns of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel. The fire expanded by 17 square miles overnight Thursday into Friday.
Related fires in the region include the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border at 65% containment, where three Helitack crew members were killed last weekend. The Cottonwood fire in southwestern Utah has grown to more than 147 square miles (380 square kilometers), and the Babylon fire in southeastern Utah spans 133 square miles (344 square kilometers).
The Bottom Line
The Aspen Acres wildfire continues to threaten communities across two Colorado counties as firefighting crews work with limited resources amid challenging conditions. Evacuation orders remain in effect for several towns and unincorporated communities. With zero containment reported and dozens of large wildfires burning across the West, officials are urging residents in affected areas to monitor emergency alerts and follow evacuation orders. The National Guard deployment is expected to support logistics and perimeter security as crews work to contain the blaze.