The community of Beulah is under a mandatory evacuation order due to the rapidly expanding Aspen Acres fire, which was first reported in Custer County on Monday morning, according to a .
Residents are urged to leave immediately and not delay. An evacuation shelter has been established in the Pueblo County Recreation Center at 1650 Cooper Place.
Another shelter has also been set up at the Wetmore Community Center, 95 County Road 393.
Donations to assist those being evacuated can be brought to the Pueblo County Recreation Center. Items being accepted include bottled water, packaged and shelf-stable food items, diapers, baby formula and pet food.
Large animals can be brought to the Colorado State Fairgrounds through Gate 6 & 7 off Small Avenue.
Beulah is an unincorporated community of about 500 residents located along Colorado 78, about 21 miles southwest of Pueblo in the foothills of the Wet Mountains.
Earlier evacuation orders are in place for residents of the Aspen Acres area along Colorado Highway 165 to Old San Isabel Road, Lazy Acres and the vicinity of Bishop’s Castle.
Bishop’s Castle is a popular and unique Colorado tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year.
The fire started in the area of the Aspen Acres campground and was at 2,476 acres, according to the most
Strong winds are driving the fire, which was estimated at 362 acres as of a 10 a.m. update.
Colorado Highway 165 is closed in both directions between mile markers 15 and 19. Colorado 78 is closed from mile marker 0 to 9.
The Pueblo County Emergency Operations Center has been activated and is coordinating the response.
Gov. Jared Polis issued verbal disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres fire and for the Willow fire in Lake County.
The declarations will bring in additional state resources to help fight the fires, including engine and hand crews, as well as aerial resources.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
