More than 150 structures lost in Colorado wildfire
More than 150 structures have been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire in southern Colorado, where mandatory evacuations remain in place and firefighters have not gained any containment, according to officials.
The Aspen Acres Fire has burned 28,314 acres in Pueblo and Custer counties and was 0% contained as of Tuesday afternoon, according to fire officials.
Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said about 100 structures have been lost in Pueblo County, while Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith said about 55 structures have been lost in Custer County.
Officials said the total includes homes, though they are still working to determine how many of the destroyed structures were residences, outbuildings or other properties.
The fire started Monday morning near Beulah, a small community southwest of Pueblo, and grew rapidly through dry vegetation. Fire command was transferred to the state Monday as the fire expanded across county lines.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for Beulah and surrounding areas, including 12-mile, Northcreek, South Pine Drive and areas east toward Waterbarrel Road. Fire officials said Tuesday evening that any residents still in the Northcreek area needed to leave immediately.
The fire was threatening more than 1,200 homes when Colorado requested federal assistance Monday evening, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Roads in the area remain restricted to residents and emergency crews as firefighting and damage assessment continue.
Fire officials said conditions remain dangerous, and residents under evacuation orders should not return until authorities say it is safe.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
