Windy conditions and hot weather on Wednesday afternoon led to an increase in activity on the southwest side of the Aspen Acres fire, which as of Thursday morning had burned 99,820 acres, gaining 291 acres from the previous day but remaining at 36% containment.

Firefighters on the south side of the “chicken foot” – a high-heat section of the fire west of Rye – were able to stomp down a spot fire that managed to cross the first of two defensive lines being constructed Wednesday to hobble the flames’ advance.

“Swift and aggressive response by firefighters on the ground, dozers, and firefighting aircraft dropping water and retardant was successful in catching the spot fire,” according to a morning update from the fire information management team. 

Drones with infrared capabilities were deployed to monitor the area for hot spots, and initiate firefighter response, late Wednesday and overnight. 

Crews, machinery, and aircraft were back on scene Thursday, as fire activity in the area is expected to increase in the afternoon, with a return of weather conditions similar to those Wednesday. 

Thursday is expected to be slightly cooler, with a continuing slow increase in moisture and clouds that could bring showers to the west side of the fire area. The day is nonetheless expected to be hot and dry, with east winds and only a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

“Conditions such as these are the reason why evacuation orders remain in effect for Rye and other communities on the west side of the fire,” according to the fire information office. “Huge progress has been made, but the wildfire is still uncontained with potential threat to life and property. Firefighters continue working both day and night shifts, striving towards additional containment.”

A community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in Gardner at the Raymond Aguirre Community Center, 28 County Road 632.

Evacuation updates

• In Pueblo County, evacuation status has been lifted for the north and northeastern portions of the Aspen Acres Fire perimeter, but residents are cautioned to remain prepared to leave. The fire remains active near North Muddy Creek, with potential to advance toward Rye, according to authorities. Evacuation status remains on the south side of the fire, with Colorado City currently in pre-evacuation status. 

• For Pueblo County evacuation information, call the Joint Information Center (JIC) at 719-583-4640; information about the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) is also available.

• An evacuation awareness status is in place for Fremont County.

• Wetmore and Greenwood residents may return home, but the area remains in pre-evacuation status. Other areas of Custer County affected by the fire remain in pre-evacuation and evacuation status. For Custer County re-entry questions or specific evacuation status, call 719-467-0271

• Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office evacuated all areas within the National Forest to the east of where Williams Creek crosses into the National Forest, and then following Williams Creek North to where Williams Creek intersects with CR 630, and following CR 630 generally north to where CR 630 intersects with CR 636, and continuing to follow CR 630 west to where it intersects with CR 634 (Gardner Road) and then running due north to the County Line. The southern and eastern boundaries of the evacuation zone are the US Forest Service boundary. The northern boundary is the county line. For further information, call 719-738-1044 to reach Huerfano County dispatch.