Aspen Acres fire near Rye explodes in size to 23,000 acres after discovery early in morning of June 29 – high winds hampered any efforts at containing it throughout the day

Photo taken in Pueblo west near Pueblo Reservoir early Monday morning as the fire began expanding

A wildfire broke out early Monday morning near the town of Rye. By late afternoon, it had expanded to over 23,000 acres and was growing rapidly with 0% containment.  Due to extremely high winds measured at 80-100 mph, ground crews were unable to begin containment.  Multiple homes have been affected and by late afternoon Monday nearly 3,000 homes have been on mandatory evacuation.  These areas include the towns of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel, as well as the Bishops Castle area along Highway 165, 12-mile road and 3R road.  Multiple road closures are in force.

The state has taken over control of the fire per the Pueblo County Sheriff, with air support expected Tuesday.  Evacuation centers have been set up in Pueblo and Wetmore, including utilizing the State Fairgrounds for large animals that have been evacuated.  The City of Pueblo Fire department is bussing people from Rye to the Pueblo evacuation center, especially for the elderly and disabled. The Red Cross is providing shelter to affected families and the Pueblo Sheriff suggester people wishing to help contact the Red Cross as the quickest and safest way to help.  As seen in the photos I took in Pueblo West early Monday afternoon, heavy smoke was easily visible and downtown Pueblo was extremely smoky.  By nightfall, flames could be seen along the entire ridge.

Photo taken along Industrial Avenue in Pueblo West looking towards Pueblo

Photo taken in Pueblo west along McCullough Avenue near Desert Hawk golf course

By: Barbara Crimond