safety
Aspen Acres fire has destroyed 780 structures across Pueblo and Custer counties, new aerial analysis shows
By Olivia Prentzel at Colorado Sun
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
The estimate from Vexcel Data, a private company that flies over natural disasters, includes garages, barns and sheds. It exceeds official county reports, which remain incomplete as damage assessments continue.
Key takeaway It exceeds official county reports, which remain incomplete as damage assessments continue.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's own experiences with wildfire danger, given its location in the dry months of the Elk Mountains, make the devastating news from Pueblo and Custer counties particularly resonant. The sheer scale of destruction, with 780 structures lost, is a stark reminder of the risks that mountain communities like Aspen face. While the Aspen Acres fire is far from Pitkin County, the fact that damage assessments are still ongoing and official reports are incomplete underscores the challenges of responding to wildfires in rugged terrain. Locally, Aspen's residents and visitors can take note of the importance of vigilance and preparedness, particularly during periods of high fire danger. The city's own wildfire mitigation efforts, including those undertaken by the Aspen Fire Department and the Aspen School District, will be crucial in preventing similar disasters from occurring closer to home.
About this story
Original reporting by Colorado Sun . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Colorado Sun . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: Colorado Sun ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The estimate from Vexcel Data, a private company that flies over natural disasters, includes garages, barns and sheds. It exceeds official county reports, which remain incomplete as damage assessments continue.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by Colorado Sun and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Olivia Prentzel at Colorado Sun. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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