BEULAH, COLORADO — Residents are being allowed to return to their properties for the first time since evacuation. The re-entry process began as local authorities opened access to areas affected by the Aspen Acres fire.

More than 300 homes have been destroyed by the Aspen Acres fire. The blaze is Colorado's biggest wildfire of the year. The fire ignited in June and remains active across the region.

The Aspen Acres fire is not fully contained. Fire managers state the fire may continue burning until it snows. This projection indicates that suppression efforts will persist for months despite recent re-entry permissions.

Re-entry to the area requires an escort arranged through a National Guard checkpoint. This protocol ensures safety as crews continue to manage hot spots and structural hazards. Approximately 3,000 people are currently displaced from their homes due to the ongoing threat.

Local governments have lifted evacuation orders in some areas and issued new ones in others. The dynamic nature of the fire line has necessitated these shifting directives. Residents must verify their specific zone status before attempting to access their properties.

Ned Pittman, 70, is a resident returning to his property in Beulah. Pittman stated he did not receive a pre-evacuation warning before the fire reached his area. He traveled from Pueblo, where he is currently staying with his brother, to assess the damage to his residence.

Pittman's home was destroyed, leaving only a standing bathtub and a cooking range intact. The devastation reflects the intensity of the fire as it moved through the community. Pittman does not have fire insurance. This lack of coverage means he bears the full financial burden of the loss without assistance from an insurance provider.

Approximately 800 people lived in Beulah prior to the fire. The community represents a significant portion of the displaced population in the region. The destruction in Beulah contributes to the overall toll of more than 300 lost homes across the fire's path.

PureSource News previously reported that Barker and Two Firefighters Die in Colorado Wildfires. Another report from the same outlet noted that a Pilot Dies After Aircraft Crashes Into Colorado Reservoir While Fighting Fire. These incidents reflect the dangers faced by personnel working to suppress the blaze.

Pueblo County has confirmed that 241 homes and commercial properties have been destroyed, including 208 in Beulah, according to a county press release on July 17, 2026. This official count provides a detailed breakdown of the structural losses in the hardest-hit areas. The United Way of Southern Colorado has begun offering recovery assistance to residents who lost their homes, including Pittman, who does not have fire insurance. This organization aims to provide immediate support to those without financial safety nets.

The Aspen Acres fire has displaced approximately 3,000 people and destroyed over 300 homes, making it the largest wildfire in Colorado this year. The decision to allow residents back into evacuation zones marks a critical phase in the response, though the fire remains uncontained and may burn until snow arrives. The re-entry process involves strict safety protocols, including National Guard escorts, to manage the risks posed by lingering hot spots and unstable structures.

The impact on communities like Beulah, which had a population of approximately 800, is severe, with local governments adjusting evacuation orders as conditions change. The lack of insurance for some residents, such as Pittman, reflects the long-term recovery challenges that extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Organizations like the United Way of Southern Colorado have stepped in to offer assistance, while official counts from Pueblo County detail the scale of property loss.