Mandatory Evacuations Issued Due to Rapidly Spreading Wildfire in Colorado

Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Pueblo and Custer Counties

A swiftly advancing wildfire along Highway 165 has led to mandatory evacuation orders in several areas of Pueblo and Custer counties, including Beulah, Aspen Acres, Rye, and San Isabel. The blaze has expanded to 2,476 acres with no containment reported, resulting in road closures and the establishment of evacuation shelters, alongside a coordinated response from multiple agencies.

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control has taken charge of the situation as the fire continues to spread due to strong winds. Although air support was initially dispatched, it was later called off due to adverse weather conditions.

Details on Evacuations and Road Closures

Mandatory evacuation orders are currently in place for residents in the Aspen Acres Subdivision, Lazy Acres, Bishop's Castle area, and along 12 Mile Road and South Pine Drive, as well as in the Town of Beulah, San Isabel, and Rye. Additionally, Custer County has mandated evacuations for areas south of Highway 96 and Highway 165 up to the Pueblo County line.

The Custer County Sheriff's Office issued the first evacuation orders for those living within a mile of the Aspen Acres neighborhood and campground shortly after the fire was detected early Monday morning. Authorities have confirmed that two separate fires are burning in the vicinity—one near Lake Isabel and another close to the Aspen Acres Subdivision, both of which have been rapidly expanding.

Initially, the smaller fire near Lake Isabel was estimated to cover about three acres but quickly grew to around 50 acres by early afternoon, leading to further evacuations in Rye and San Isabel.

Highway 165 has been closed in both directions from the Highway 78 junction to just south of Lake Isabel, with additional closures reported by Pueblo County from the San Isabel Dam to Mile Marker 15.

Evacuation shelters have been set up at the Pueblo County Recreation Center, located at 1650 Cooper Place, which accommodates pets, and at the Wetmore Community Center. A large animal shelter has also been established at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Officials are accepting donations for emergency responders, including bottled water, non-perishable food, pet supplies, diapers, formula, hay, and livestock feed.

Heavy smoke has been observed in the area as various fire agencies continue their efforts to manage the wildfire.