safety
More than 150 structures destroyed in Aspen Acres fire burning in Pueblo and Custer counties, officials say
By Olivia Prentzel and David Krause at Colorado Sun
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
Between eight and 10 aircraft dropped water and retardant on the flames when conditions allowed crews to fly, but winds are expected to pick up Tuesday afternoon, officials say
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Aspen Acres fire's devastating impact on Pueblo and Custer counties is a stark reminder of the wildfire danger that also threatens Pitkin County, where Aspen is located. Given Aspen's own history of contending with dry months and mountain-weather hazards, residents should be vigilant about the potential for similar disasters in the Elk Mountains. The use of aircraft to drop water and retardant on the flames is a common tactic in wildfire management, and Aspen's proximity to wilderness areas means that such measures could be necessary here as well. With winds expected to pick up, the situation in Pueblo and Custer counties will likely worsen, and Aspen residents should take note of the precautions being taken elsewhere in the state to mitigate wildfire risk. The Aspen Acres fire's destruction of over 150 structures is a sobering warning about the need for preparedness and swift action in the face of wildfire danger.
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: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Colorado Sun ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Between eight and 10 aircraft dropped water and retardant on the flames when conditions allowed crews to fly, but winds are expected to pick up Tuesday afternoon, officials say
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Colorado Sun and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Olivia Prentzel and David Krause 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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