Aspen Acres Fire Holds at 102,004 Acres, 72% Contained as New Incident Team Takes Command

Description: The Aspen Acres Fire remains 102,004 acres and 72% contained near Rye, Colorado. A new Wyoming Type 3 team takes command Aug. 15 as suppression repairs continue...


Published: 08/14/2026
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire Update – August 14, 2026
 
 
Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 5
Incident Commanders Jon Warder and Justin McArthur (trainee)
 
Fire Information: (719) 697-8353 Operational Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Size: 102,004 acres | Containment: 72% | Cause: Human | Start Date: June 29, 2026
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO | Total Personnel: 135
 
KEY MESSAGES
 
The Aspen Acres Fire will transfer command to another Wyoming Type 3 Team on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. To support a smooth transition, members of the outgoing team are remaining with the incoming team. Wyoming Type 3 Team 5 that is exiting would like to express its sincere gratitude to the community and all partner agencies involved with the Aspen Acres Fire. It has been a privilege to serve and support the community.
 
Small pockets of fire activity continue to be visible in the southwest portion of the fire area, occasionally producing localized columns of smoke. This behavior is expected during remaining wildfire suppression and suppression repair operations, as unburned fuels, heavy vegetation, and residual heat sources continue to smolder or burn near the fire perimeter. The presence of smoke columns in these areas does not, by itself, indicate an increase in overall fire intensity, a loss of containment, or a heightened risk of fire spread. This fire may remain active on the landscape until a season ending moisture event occurs.
 
A combination of steep, rocky, hazardous terrain and standing dead trees prevents the use of direct extinguishment tactics in the uncontained fire area. These unsafe conditions create significant safety risks for firefighters and limit the ability to safely deploy and extract personnel and equipment. Fire personnel continue to assess the areas for opportunities to establish containment.
 
CURRENT SITUATION
 
The current efforts are focused on suppression repair of unneeded dozer lines with heavy equipment and crews. Due to the fire’s extensive footprint, recent rainfall has not resulted in measurable precipitation across all areas of the incident. For public safety during equipment operations, and due to uncontained fireline, a closure area remains in effect on the San Carlos District, though Highways are open to thru traffic.
 
WEATHER
 
Moisture from the monsoon remains in place, keeping showers and thunderstorms in the forecast throughout the day. Storm chances are slight to moderate in the morning, becoming likely by early afternoon. Any storm that develops may produce heavy rain, lightning, and gusty/erratic winds, which could affect public and crew safety. Chances of localized flooding remains high with the monsoon moisture.
 
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
 
A fire area closure remains in effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, San Carlos Ranger District, except for the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, which is open and accessible only through the Bartlett and Greenhorn trailheads out of Rye. Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../aspen-acres-fire-area-closure.
 
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire area. The TFR was reduced today and now covers a 7-nautical-mile radius centered on the southwest corner of the fire. It is active during daytime hours only, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This restriction applies to all aircraft, including drones and other unmanned aerial systems.
 
AIR QUALITY For daily air quality information, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
 
Aspen Acres Fire Information:
Email: 2026.aspenacres@firenet.gov
Phone: (719) 697-8353 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
 


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