Falling Aspen Tree Sparks Colorado Blaze That Razed Over 850 Homes
State investigators determined that an aspen tree knocked onto live power lines ignited the Aspen Acres fire, which destroyed more than 850 structures in southern Colorado.
According to a 46-page report from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, an aspen tree fell onto live power conductors near mile marker 17 on Highway 165, sparking the Aspen Acres fire on June 29. High winds not only uprooted the tree but also drove the flames westward and southward, quickly engulfing the surrounding grass, brush and timber. The fire burned more than 102,000 acres across Pueblo, Custer, Fremont and Huerfano counties, destroying at least 850 structures before reaching 82% containment.
Hundreds of firefighters from across the nation battled the blaze under prolonged drought conditions. The incident followed a winter of record-low snowfall and has been linked to at least five lawsuits accusing San Isabel Electric Association of failing to clear vegetation around its lines. Investigators ruled out lightning, arson and smoking materials as causes, and the fire’s spread was amplified by strong winds.
Why it matters
The wildfire highlights how vegetation near power lines can trigger catastrophic fires, prompting legal and safety scrutiny.
In this story
