(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — The Aspen Acres Fire in Southern Colorado has burned 102,004 acres as of Friday, Aug. 21. The fire is now 77% contained, and 135 personnel are battling the fire, according to the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 7.

Crews gave an update on Friday about dynamic containment and why it is considered the key strategy guiding operations. According to Incident Command, dynamic containment acknowledges that containment can change as fire behavior changes.

“Dynamic containment allows Incident Management Teams to adjust containment percentages as conditions evolve, giving the public and leadership a more accurate picture of suppression success,” according to the update.

Key terms to understanding dynamic containment:

• Containment: The percentage of completed fire line around the fire’s perimeter, placed directly against the active edge.
• Dynamic Containment: Treats containment as fluid and changeable, adapting to weather, fuels, terrain, and natural barriers.
• Controlled: When fire line and natural features fully surround the fire and any spot fires, preventing spread under expected conditions.

“Dynamic containment helps ensure transparency, accuracy, a better understanding of evolving conditions, and informed decision-making for communities and leadership,” according to Incident Command. “By treating containment as a dynamic metric, we can better reflect real on-the-ground conditions and keep the public informed with clarity and integrity.”

Evacuations for Aspen Acres Fire

All evacuation zones have been reduced to either pre-evacuation or clear status. For zones in pre-evacuation status, people must receive a re-entry card from their respective county. Upon return, homeowners should be prepared to leave again if weather or fire conditions worsen.

Structures lost due to Aspen Acres Fire

According to Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero, the number of homes and commercial properties destroyed in Pueblo County is 241. Sheriff Lucero said the lost structures include 208 in Beulah, 28 in Rye, two in Colorado City, and three in unincorporated Pueblo County.

Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith said the total in Custer has climbed to 85.

Recovery resources

• For Custer County, click here.
• For Pueblo County, click here.
• For Disaster Assistance Information, click here.

Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief: Where to donate

Help make a difference for families impacted by the Southern Colorado wildfires by participating in the FOX21 & United Way of Southern Colorado Fire Relief Donation Drive, now through August 31. We’re encouraging community members to donate needed supplies, shop the Amazon Wishlist, or make a monetary gift to support ongoing wildfire relief efforts.

>>CLICK TO DONATE HERE

The United Way of Southern Colorado’s Wildfire Donation & Distribution Center is located at the Resource Assistance Center, 2670 Delphinium Street in Pueblo.

• A separate entrance and parking lot for the Donation & Distribution Center are located on the south side of the building. Visitors donating supplies or picking up available assistance should use this designated entrance and parking area.
• The center will continue to accept donated relief supplies and distribute essential items to individuals and families affected by the Southern Colorado wildfires.
• It is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.