Here’s how to get help if you were impacted by the Aspen Acres fire

While crews are making progress on some areas of the Aspen Acres fire south of Pueblo, the fire continues to grow as firefighters face persistent hot and dry conditions this week.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from the fire’s path, with at least 3,000 still unable to return home weeks later. State and local officials are offering resources for evacuees, ranging from emergency food and toiletries to housing, financial assistance and pet care.

To get federal disaster aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Aspen Acres fire would need a major disaster declaration approved by President Trump. That has not happened yet. A spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis said such a declaration could come after the damage is fully assessed.

In 2025, Polis declared a disaster emergency for the destructive Elk and Lee wildfires, but President Trump ultimately denied his disaster declaration request.

However, on June 29 this year, FEMA did authorize Fire Management Assistance Grant funds for the Aspen Acres fire, which allows the federal government to cover 75% of firefighting costs.

For now, assistance is being provided through state and local organizations and agencies.

Here’s how to get help:

In person in Pueblo:

The Pueblo Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) is located at the Pueblo Academy of Arts, and provides evacuees with everything from food and other basic supplies to mental health care and financial assistance, in addition to longer term assistance like water testing and replacement birth certificates and driver’s licenses.

Representatives from state agencies, county assessors offices, social services and nonprofits are all on hand. Next week, the DAC will transition to focusing on recovery and longer-term assistance, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff's office public information officer, Gayle Perez.

*Remnants of property left behind by the Aspen Acres fire in Beulah on July 10, 2026.*

The Pueblo County Department of Human Services is also providing emergency financial assistance through the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Families with at least one child under 18 who earn less than $75,000 a year can receive up to $10,000 in assistance. Individuals who qualify financially can get up to $2,000 in assistance.

Survivors can apply at the DAC or at the Pueblo County Department of Human Services on 10th Street, according to Pueblo DHS director Tammy Torres. People already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who lost food during the fire can also apply to have their monthly benefits replenished.

The American Red Cross of Southern Colorado operates an evacuation center that provides overnight housing, food, water and medical care, as well as mental health services. The center is located at the Pueblo County Recreation Center.

The YMCA of Pueblo is allowing full use of its services during business hours for those displaced by the fire, including showers and complimentary Wi-Fi.

*Firefighters Hannah Sadowski (left), her husband, Charles, (right) and Greg Andre at the Red Cliff Ranch dip site in Beulah on July 10, 2026.*

The United Way of Southern Colorado offers diapers and household supplies, clothing, food, laundry, showers, and other services. There’s an online intake form or in-person locations.

Pueblo County has a crisis cleanup hotline at (970) 283-7325. This free service provides residents affected by the Aspen Acres fire with volunteer help to clean up ashes, remove debris, clear trees and move fences.

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is providing and coordinating care for pets impacted by the Aspen Acres fire. Livestock from affected areas may be kept at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Those looking for help should call Pueblo’s Community Animal Response Team at (719) 251-0245.

Online:

The state launched a new disaster recovery website in May that provides guidance for survivors. The Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool guides residents through the process of getting immediate assistance, short-term housing or financial assistance, and longer-term assistance such as navigating insurance claims. Users select which category they fall into, including: homeowners, renters, farmers and ranchers, landlord, businessowner, unhoused, and then follow the step-by-step prompts.

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office website has a list of resources available, including cleanup guides and assistance, safety tips and community resources.

*A Pueblo Mountain Park Road sign on the side of the road, burned by the Aspen Acres fire, in Beulah on July 10, 2026.*

Donate or Volunteer:

United Way of Southern Colorado has compiled a list of options for those hoping to help the affected. It provides links to donate funds, requested items and to volunteer for the relief effort.

Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has a form for organizations interested in getting involved in ongoing fire recovery.

Pueblo County’s Community Animal Response Team is looking for volunteers to help with animals displaced by the fire. Their volunteer hotline is 719-340-0772.