safety
Heat, wind expected to intensify Colorado wildfires as Aspen Acres nears 100,000 acres
By Olivia Prentzel at Colorado Sun
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
The Aspen Acres fire, in Pueblo and Custer counties, remains Colorado’s largest wildfire at 98,609 acres. Crews are also battling growth on fires near Ouray, Leadville and Dolores.
Key takeaway Crews are also battling growth on fires near Ouray, Leadville and Dolores.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As the Aspen Acres fire nears 100,000 acres, Pitkin County residents should be aware of the potential for wildfire smoke to drift into the Roaring Fork Valley, affecting air quality in Aspen. The city's location in the Elk Mountains, surrounded by dry forests and scrublands, also puts it at risk for similar wildfires, especially during periods of high wind and heat. While the Aspen Acres fire is currently burning in Pueblo and Custer counties, the presence of multiple wildfires across the state, including those near Ouray, Leadville, and Dolores, suggests a heightened risk of fire statewide. Local authorities and residents should remain vigilant, taking precautions to prevent human-caused fires and staying informed about fire restrictions and air quality alerts in the area. The Aspen School District and city government should also be prepared to respond to potential fire-related disruptions, including evacuations or school closures.
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 13, 2026 ·
Source: Colorado Sun ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Aspen Acres fire, in Pueblo and Custer counties, remains Colorado’s largest wildfire at 98,609 acres. Crews are also battling growth on fires near Ouray, Leadville and Dolores.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 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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