All pre-evacuation orders lifted, Aspen Acres Fire 72% contained

RYE, Colo. (KOAA) — The Aspen Acres Fire continues to burn and sits at 102,004 acres. Command control says 145 firefighters are working the fire, which remains at 72% containment as of Tuesday, August 11.

• Watch News5's latest coverage on the fire below:

On Friday, all pre-evacuation statuses were lifted. Additionally, Highways 165 and 78 also reopened.

Fire Details and Evacuation Centers

• The fire has burned 102,004 acres and is 72% contained
• Authorities confirmed the Aspen Acres Fire was human-caused, but exactly how it started is under investigation
• 241 homes have been destroyed in Pueblo County as of Friday, July 17
• 84 homes and five buildings have been destroyed in Custer County as of Monday, July 13
• Two homes have major damage, and five homes have minor damage
• More than 850 structures have been lost, according to the incident command team on Monday, July 13
• 145 personnel are working on this fire

The Disaster Assistance Center, which was located at the Pueblo Academy of Arts, has transitioned into a Recovery Assistance Center at Beulah Heights Elementary School.

Services, including picking up re-entry cards, will be available for victims to help in the months-to years-long recovery process ahead.

For residents who are returning home, see below:

• Colorado Cleanup Crisis Hotline: (970)283-7325
• Residents with a well can test their water with a free testing kit from the Pueblo Health Department: (719)583-4300
• Dumpsters are available at the following three locations for residents who are trying to clean up. You can also click here for dumpster locations:
  
  • Ace Hardware in Colorado City
  • Colorado City Library
  • Fire Station 2 off of Waterbarrel Road in Beulah

State officials say people who get their water from the Pine Drive Water District or Signal Mountain Ranch Property Owners Water Company should not use the tap water for anything except showering or watering.

• Watch News5's coverage of those water concerns below:

Use bottled water for anything else, including drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.

The state says any returning evacuees who have private wells should also use bottled water right now because of possible contamination and damage.

• Check out your photos and videos of the Aspen Acres Fire below:

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