Aspen Acres Fire Crews Make Progress on Repairs as Flash Flood, Debris Flow Risk Continues

Description: Aspen Acres Fire crews are repairing fire lines, culverts and suppression damage as warmer weather raises fire activity concerns and heavy rain threatens flash flooding and debris flows...


Published: 08/18/2026
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire Update – August 18, 2026

Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 7
Incident Commanders Matt Weakland and Joe Milligan (trainee)

Fire Information: (719) 697-8353
Operational Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Size: 102,004 acres | Containment: 72% | Cause: Human | Start Date: June 29, 2026
Location: 10 Miles NW of Rye, CO | Total Personnel: 125

 
KEY MESSAGES
 
Crews on the Aspen Acres Fire are making steady progress on critical repair work throughout the affected area. Their efforts are focused on repairing areas impacted by fire suppression operations. Current work includes reinforcing fire lines, chipping and reducing brush piles created during firefighting, and repairing culverts to improve drainage, manage runoff, and help prevent erosion.
 
These projects are an important part of the long-term recovery of the landscape and surrounding areas. The community has shown remarkable resilience, and this repair phase marks an important step toward restoring the area for residents, visitors, and everyone affected by the fire.
 
CURRENT SITUATION
 
Recent storms have not brought the same amount of rain to all parts of the burned area. Some areas received enough rain to help moderate active heat sources, while others received little or no rain and remain dry.
The Pike–San Isabel National Forest is still closed because crews are continuing to work with heavy equipment and some fire lines still need to be repaired or reinforced.
 
WEATHER
 
Warmer conditions today will bring a mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Rising temperatures, shifting winds, and thunderstorm outflows could briefly increase fire activity where fuels remain dry.
Short bursts of heavy rain may cause rapid runoff across the burn scar, creating potential hazards such as flash flooding and debris flows.
 
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.
 


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