safety
Parts of Fremont County evacuated as Aspen Acres fire surges past 91,000 acres
By Dana Coffield at Colorado Sun
· July 5, 2026
· 1 min read
The Willow fire near Leadville grew by 900 acres overnight spurring mandatory evacuation of areas southwest of the city. Ouray 100 race canceled because of Gold Mountain fire.
Key takeaway Ouray 100 race canceled because of Gold Mountain fire.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As firefighters gain an edge in the Aspen Acres fire zone, the community's attention turns to assessing the damage and planning for recovery. This process is crucial in Pitkin County, where the risk of wildfire is ever-present during dry months. The fact that other parts of the state, such as Leadville and the area near the Gold Mountain fire, are also experiencing significant fires, underscores the broader context of wildfire risk in Colorado. In Aspen, the city's location in the Elk Mountains, surrounded by vegetation that can fuel wildfires, makes it especially vulnerable. The cancellation of events like the Ouray 100 race due to fire danger is a reminder that these risks can have far-reaching consequences for local recreation and tourism. As damage assessment teams work to determine the extent of the damage in the Aspen Acres fire zone, residents and visitors alike will be watching to see how the community recovers and prepares for future fire seasons.
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 5, 2026 ·
Source: Colorado Sun ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Willow fire near Leadville grew by 900 acres overnight spurring mandatory evacuation of areas southwest of the city. Ouray 100 race canceled because of Gold Mountain fire.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by Colorado Sun and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dana Coffield 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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