Aspen Acres Fire destroys 55 homes in one county, more than 100 structures in another

The Aspen Acres Fire burning in southern Colorado has destroyed 55 homes in Custer County and more than 100 structures in Pueblo County, authorities said. The wildfire has grown to 28,314 acres as of Tuesday afternoon and is 0% contained so far, although Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero said in a news conference that crews are working hard to slow the fire down and try to protect homes. Beulah resident Zakary Bruce took this photo of the Aspen Acres Fire. Zakary Bruce Mandatory evacuations are in place with the fire, including the towns of Beulah, Rye and San Isabel. The evacuation center is Pueblo County Parks and Recreation located at 1650 Cooper Place in Pueblo. Evacuees with large animals can take them to the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Get the latest updates on evacuations at pueblosheriff.org . "First and foremost, our thoughts are with every family, business owner, rancher and resident who has been affected by the Aspen Acres Fire," Lucero said. "We know this has been an incredibly stressful and emotional time. Many people have had to leave their homes, not knowing what they may return to, and I want everyone to know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority." Pueblo County Eight air tankers were among the aerial aircraft fighting the fire on Tuesday. So far it's not known how the fire started. One firefighter was hurt battling the fire but no other injuries have been reported. …