Wildfire southwest of Denver forces thousands to evacuate and destroys more than 160 structures

Fire grows southwest of Denver

A fast-moving wildfire southwest of Denver has forced thousands of people to evacuate and destroyed more than 160 structures, according to AP. The Aspen Acres fire had burned about 115 square miles and remained at zero containment as of Friday afternoon.

The fire is burning in southern Colorado, where erratic winds and prolonged dry weather have helped drive its spread. AP reported that low snowpack from the previous winter also contributed to the fire-prone conditions.

Evacuations in multiple communities

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office ordered evacuations in Colorado City, Beulah, Rye and San Isabel. Colorado City, an unincorporated community of about 2,200 people, was among the places directly affected by the order.

AP said the evacuations covered thousands of residents overall. The scale of the orders underscores how quickly the fire has moved across the region and how little control crews have had over it so far.

Damage and response

Officials have said more than 160 structures have been destroyed, but the full damage picture remains unclear. AP did not report a final count of damaged buildings versus those lost, leaving open the possibility that the toll could rise as assessments continue.

About 50 National Guard soldiers were being sent to help staff checkpoints in Custer and Pueblo counties. Fire crews were also scooping water from Pueblo Reservoir to fight the blaze, part of a wider effort to slow its advance.

The response has added strain on local law enforcement and firefighting resources. Checkpoints, road access and reservoir operations are all part of the broader logistical challenge created by a large, fast-moving wildfire in rural terrain.

What remains uncertain

Officials have not identified the cause of the fire. Containment is the immediate question, along with whether updated evacuation orders or road closures will expand to additional areas.

Authorities are also expected to release more detailed damage assessments as crews continue to work the fire. AP reported that the blaze was still uncontained on Friday, making the situation highly fluid for nearby communities.

The wildfire is part of a wider Western fire environment shaped by dry conditions and repeated evacuations. For residents in southern Colorado, the main near-term issue is whether the fire can be slowed before it threatens more homes and infrastructure.