The "Aspen Acres" wildfire has rapidly spread in southern Colorado, destroying over 160 homes. Authorities have ordered evacuations in several communities as the US faces roughly 40 large wildfires across the western region.
On 4 July 2026, international news agencies reported a major wildfire in Colorado, western USA, forcing thousands to evacuate as flames spread quickly driven by strong winds. Meanwhile, the US is confronting about 40 large wildfires across the western region.
The "Aspen Acres Fire" has aggressively spread southwest of Denver, expanding by 44 square kilometers overnight, bringing the total damaged area to 272 square kilometers as of Friday.
Officials revealed that more than 160 structures have been destroyed by the fire. Experts noted that prolonged drought and historically low winter snowfall in many areas, effects of climate change, have increased the risk of severe wildfires.
Colorado authorities ordered about 2,200 residents to evacuate Colorado City and nearby communities including Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel for safety. Simultaneously, the Colorado National Guard deployed around 50 personnel to checkpoints on roads in Pueblo and Custer counties and to oversee the area around Pueblo Reservoir, facilitating firefighting efforts using water from the reservoir.
Investigators stated that the Aspen Acres wildfire was caused by human actions but have not released further details about the fire's origin.