safety
What to know about navigating homeowners insurance amid wildfires
By Robert Tann Follow
rtann@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
As wildfires burn across Colorado, homeowners whose properties are at risk — or have been destroyed — must navigate a complex insurance system.
The Aspen Acres Fire, currently the seventh-largest in state history, has burned more than 99,000 acres across Pueblo and Custer counties as of Wedne...
Key takeaway The Aspen Acres Fire, currently the seventh-largest in state history, has burned more than 99,000 acres across Pueblo and Custer counties as of Wedne...
Why this matters in Aspen News
As wildfires rage across Colorado, Pitkin County residents should be aware of the state's laws protecting homeowners in the event of a disaster. Given Aspen's location in a high-risk wildfire zone, it's crucial for homeowners to understand their insurance policies and the support available to them. The laws enacted in 2022, such as House Bill 22-1111, provide a safety net for primary residences, covering at least 65% of household items in the event of a total loss. Locals should take note of the requirement to submit an inventory of lost items to claim the remaining 35%, and be prepared to navigate the complex insurance system. With Aspen's history of mountain-weather hazards, including wildfire danger, residents should review their insurance policies and be aware of the resources available to them in the event of a disaster, including the support from the Colorado Division of Insurance.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . 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 Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more Aspen News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As wildfires burn across Colorado, homeowners whose properties are at risk — or have been destroyed — must navigate a complex insurance system.
The Aspen Acres Fire, currently the seventh-largest in state history, has burned more than 99,000 acres across Pueblo and Custer counties as of Wedne...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robert Tann Follow
rtann@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. 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 .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter