Aspen Acres blaze climbs to eighth-largest wildfire in Colorado history

Aspen Acres fire exploded to 27 square miles in less than a day, ranking as the eighth-largest wildfire in Colorado history and prompting widespread evacuations in Pueblo and Custer counties. When combined with the Gold Mountain, Snyder, Ferris, and Willow fires, the region has burned about 157,652 acres (roughly 246 square miles), with Aspen Acres alone at 73,366 acres and no containment amid extreme heat, low humidity and gusty winds. State road closures and evacuations span multiple counties as firefighters deploy water drops and anticipate more aircraft support, while the Snyder fire in Mesa County has grown to about 30,194 acres with 65% containment and is notable for a deadly incident involving three firefighters.