Custer County Tightens Fire Rules as Aspen Acres Blaze Nears Containment

Custer County officials have enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions, banning all open flames and campfires, even as crews report significant progress on the Aspen Acres blaze. The fire, which has burned through dry timber and grassland, is now 60 percent contained—a doubling of containment in just 48 hours. Yet the county’s decision underscores a sobering reality: one contained fire does not mean the danger has passed.

The restrictions, effective immediately, prohibit campfires, charcoal grills, and any use of fireworks or explosive targets. Even smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles or buildings. County commissioners cited extreme drought conditions, low humidity, and persistent winds as factors that could ignite new fires at any moment. “We are grateful for the progress on Aspen Acres, but we cannot let our guard down,” a county spokesperson said. The order applies to all unincorporated areas of Custer County, including national forest lands and private property.

Balancing Firefighting and Prevention

The Aspen Acres fire, which started near Wetmore, has burned approximately 1,200 acres and is now 50 percent contained. Firefighters have been working around the clock, aided by cooler temperatures and light rain in recent days. However, the fire remains a threat, and the restrictions are intended to prevent new fires from starting while resources are stretched thin. The county has also banned all open burning, including campfires, and restricted the use of chainsaws and other equipment that could spark a blaze.

These restrictions come as much of Colorado faces extreme drought conditions. The combination of dry vegetation, high winds, and low humidity has created a tinderbox. Custer County is not alone; several other counties have enacted similar measures. The hope is that by limiting human-caused ignitions, firefighters can focus on containing existing fires without being overwhelmed by new ones.

The Aspen Acres fire, which has burned over 1,200 acres, is now 50 percent contained. Firefighters have been aided by calmer winds and higher humidity, but the threat remains. The restrictions will remain in effect until conditions improve, which may not be until significant snowfall arrives. For now, residents are urged to be vigilant and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately. The county's decision underscores a broader reality: in the American West, fire season is no longer a season—it is a year-round challenge.