Evacuees in Salt Creek wait as Aspen Acres fire rages on in Pueblo, Custer counties
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Aspen Acres fire has grown to nearly 48,000 acres as of Wednesday night, and forced evacuations across Pueblo and Custer Counties. An evacuation center is open at 1650 Cooper Place in Pueblo. KRDO13 spoke with evacuees about how they are navigating the massive blaze.
Residents of Rye and San Isabel are facing ongoing evacuations due to the intensifying fire, with officials stating it will be several days before they can return home.
Joe Hayes, a Rye resident, was forced to evacuate Monday and again on Tuesday, while Wayne Hall and his mother, Alexis Hall, from San Isabel, also left their home.
The challenging situation has prompted significant community support, with donations of water, food and basic supplies being collected for those displaced. The fire is expected to worsen in the coming days, prolonging the period residents must remain away from their homes.
Hayes initially went to a shelter in Pueblo on Monday but left to stay with a friend in Colorado City on Tuesday after being separated from his dog. Hayes described the distress of his dog, Tucker, saying, “He was trying to chew his way out of this kennel. He just hadn't been away from me. We've had him two years and he's never been away from me.” His time in Colorado City was short-lived, as he faced another evacuation. “Well, that lasted the whole night. This morning I got up at my friend's house. We hadn't had any trouble. Looked out the window. All I could see was smoke. It was like, alright, we've got to get evacuated again. I moved to more in the last three days, and I have in the last 20 years,” Hayes said.
Wayne Hall expressed concern about his home, noting he lacks insurance. “I've worked all my life for that house,” Hall said. “And I have no insurance on it because it's so expensive up there. And I just hope I have God's divine protection.”
His mother, Alexis Hall, also an evacuee, maintained a hopeful outlook despite the circumstances. “I'm depressed,” Alexis said. “But I keep my faith because I believe in the Lord, and I think everybody's going to be okay.”
Hayes shared his appreciation for the community support, saying, “People out here, they're pretty good people. I like them.”
Officials have indicated that residents will not be able to return to their homes for several days.
Those who wish to donate supplies are encouraged to contact the Red Cross or the United Way of Southern Colorado.
Information on the Aspen Acres can be found here.
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