Some Beulah residents were allowed to return to their homes Sunday, July 12, 2026, after evacuations caused by the Aspen Acres Fire [1].
The lifting of these orders marks a critical shift for the community in southern Colorado, as officials begin to stabilize areas affected by one of the region's most destructive wildfires.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office permitted the return of residents after firefighters increased the containment of the blaze [2]. The fire has caused extensive damage across the landscape, with reports indicating that 266 homes were destroyed [3].
Containment levels have risen steadily over the last week. While reports from July 7 placed containment at 16% [3], more recent data from July 12 shows that crews have reached 35% containment [4]. This progress allowed officials to clear parts of the town for reentry, though some areas may remain restricted as crews continue to manage hotspots.
The scale of the burn continues to grow as the fire spreads through the rugged terrain. Earlier reports estimated the fire had consumed 94,000 acres [3], but updated figures as of July 12 place the total area burned at 98,100 acres [4].
Fire crews remain active in the area to prevent further flare-ups. Local authorities continue to monitor weather conditions that could impact the remaining uncontained portions of the fire. Residents returning to Beulah are advised to remain vigilant and follow all instructions from the Sheriff's Office to ensure safety during the reentry process.
“Some Beulah residents were allowed to return to their homes Sunday, July 12, 2026”
The transition from total evacuation to partial reentry indicates that the Aspen Acres Fire has moved from a rapid-growth phase to a containment phase. However, the discrepancy in acreage and the fact that 65% of the fire remains uncontained suggests that the risk of sudden flare-ups remains high, necessitating a cautious, phased return for the population of Beulah.
