Colorado Wildfire Forces Evacuations as Businesses Offer Aid

The wildfire in southern Colorado has significantly expanded, leading to new evacuations. Officials report the blaze has destroyed over 180 structures, including an unknown number of homes, and has burned 55,405 acres since it began on Monday. It is currently the largest fire in the region, affecting Pueblo and Custer counties. Authorities have prioritized this fire as the top firefighting concern in the country.

Strong winds and a lack of forecasted rain have contributed to the fire’s expansion. “It breaks my heart every day, just seeing it grow and there’s nothing you can do about it,” said Sady Stinchcomb from Three Sisters Tavern & Grill in Colorado City.

Evacuations have been ordered in Buelah, Rye, and San Isabel. On Wednesday, additional evacuations were extended north and south of the fire. Southern Fremont County is now under pre-evacuation notice. Residents like Derick Collins received alerts, prompting them to pack essential items quickly. “I packed what I could and got the expensive stuff, but you can’t load everything,” Collins said after relocating to Colorado City.

The wildfire remains 0% contained, raising safety concerns. “It’s sad to see a lot of people, livelihoods, homes, businesses, ranches, and farms affected,” Collins added.

Local businesses, including Three Sisters Tavern & Grill, are supporting evacuees and first responders by providing food, water, and a gathering place. “It just felt surreal; everywhere you look, people are in panic mode,” said manager Jolee Ortiz, noting the community’s heightened concern since the Aspen Acres Fire began.

The tavern has remained open, offering amenities to those displaced. “People came to our parking lot to watch the fires, so we walked around with bottled water and kept our bathrooms open,” Ortiz explained.

Collins, observing the advancing flames, expressed concern about the fire’s proximity to more residences. The community has raised over $1,000 in donations to assist first responders and affected individuals.

Investigators believe human activity caused the fire but are still determining the exact circumstances. As the Aspen Acres Fire continues uncontained, local businesses are playing a crucial role in assisting evacuees.