safety
“This has become a national fight”: More resources ordered as Aspen Acres fire in Pueblo, Custer counties expands, scorching 35,000 acres
By Olivia Prentzel at Colorado Sun
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
The Aspen Acres fire is roughly 2 miles from Bishop Castle, a popular roadside attraction in Custer County, and 7 miles from the unincorporated community of Wetmore
Why this matters in Aspen News
As the Aspen Acres fire rages on, its proximity to Bishop Castle and the unincorporated community of Wetmore raises concerns about the potential impact on local tourism and residents. Given Aspen's own experiences with wildfire danger in dry months, residents of Pitkin County can appreciate the gravity of the situation in neighboring counties. The fire's expansion to 35,000 acres serves as a stark reminder of the mountain-weather hazards that Aspen contends with, including heavy snow, avalanche risk, and spring runoff flooding. However, the specific threat of wildfires is particularly relevant, and the situation in Pueblo and Custer counties will likely be closely watched by local authorities and residents in Aspen, who are all too aware of the devastating effects of uncontrolled blazes in the Rocky Mountains.
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 1, 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 is roughly 2 miles from Bishop Castle, a popular roadside attraction in Custer County, and 7 miles from the unincorporated community of Wetmore
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 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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