Aspen Acres Fire Update July 30, 2026: Fire Grows to 101,921 Acres, 66% Contained as Flood Risk Remains Near Rye

Description: The Aspen Acres Fire has reached 101,921 acres and is 66% contained as of July 30, 2026. Firefighters continue suppression repair while officials warn of flash flooding, debris flows, and maintain a reduced Temporary Flight Restriction near Rye, Colorado...


Published: 6 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire Daily Update – July 30, 2026
 
Fire Information: 719-697-8353 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO
Start Date: June 29, 2026
Size: 101,921 acres
Containment: 66%, Total Personnel: 699
 
KEY MESSAGES:
 
Because the fire has removed vegetation that normally stabilizes the soil, communities should remain alert for flash flooding and debris flows, which can be triggered by even moderate rainfall on a burned landscape. Residents are encouraged to continually monitor local emergency alert systems and remain prepared to move to higher ground quickly if conditions change. For official updates regarding property access or evacuation status, please contact your local sheriff’s office directly.
The dimensions of the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) were reduced to reflect moderated fire behavior, though the fire area remains a 'No Drone Zone' for the safety of remaining aerial operations.
 
CURRENT SITUATION:
 
Firefighters in the northwestern and eastern portion of the fire footprint continue the vital work of suppression repair, a process aimed at returning fire-impacted areas to pre-fire condition. This includes heavy equipment operators reshaping dozer lines to prevent future erosion. Crews will continue conducting directional felling to help with sediment and debris movement. Firefighters will remove unneeded suppression equipment such as pumps, water tanks, and hose lays across the fire area.
 
Fire behavior was significantly moderated on Wednesday as widespread cloud cover and rainfall moved over the incident area. Following recent flooding and debris flows near the communities of Rye and San Isabel, firefighters continue to strengthen the fireline while refining confinement and containment strategies along the uncontained edges of the fire.
 
The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team, composed of a specialized group of scientists and engineers, continues to analyze the fire’s footprint to identify potential post-fire hazards. By evaluating burn severity and soil stability, these experts are taking the first critical steps toward protecting vital watersheds and natural resources from future threats.
 
WEATHER:
 
There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Stronger storms during this period may also produce lightning and gusty winds up to 40mph. Rainfall may bring a risk of flash flooding, especially over burn scars and recently saturated areas. Warmer, drier conditions are forecast for the weekend.
 
CLOSURE AND EVACUATIONS
 
There is a Fire Area Closure on the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike, San Isabel, Comanche and Cimarron National Forest. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../aspen-acres-fire-area-closure. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place above the fire area. This restriction was reduced today. Flying any aircraft within the TFR is prohibited. This includes the use of drones, or unmanned aerial systems. For evacuation information please visit: Pueblo County: www.puebloemergency.info, Custer County: https://www.facebook.com/CCSOAdmin, or Huerfano County: https://huerfano.us/aspen-acres-fire-rye-huerfano/.
 
AIR QUALITY:
 
Recent heavy rains on the Aspen Acres fire will allow for continued good air quality for most of the area today. San Isabel may have moderate air quality, with conditions improving in during the afternoon and evening. Drier weather going into the weekend may bring increased smoke and poorer air quality in communities closest to the fire.
 
To get daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/


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