Aspen Acres Fire
- Gail Conners
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
As some of you may know, several members of In the Shadows Paranormal, live in Pueblo and Pueblo West - several miles from the Aspen Acres Fire. Sandi Hughes captured her thoughts and words through a
a video we'd like to share with you. Our thoughts are with the firefighters, the people and animals living in that area.
Sandi Hughes:
After a long, dry winter without much snow, the Colorado landscape was left dry and somewhat barren. The Colorado and Arkansas rivers were seeing record lows with the high possibility of a complete loss of trout by the end of Summer. Wildfires were soon to be a problem for the Western states. Then at the end of June 2026, a simple act from one person sparked a wildfire that swiftly became the number one priority in the Nation.
Starting near Bishop's Castle in the Wet Mountains, the fire quickly consumed the landscape and moved down the canyons and over the mountain range. For almost a week, only 150 firefighters were battling this horrific blaze. It consumed trees, homes and wildlife. It grew and grew until as of today took nearly 49,000 acres (as of Friday, 67,000) as its victim. This video was shot on July 1st, 2026 at the Pueblo Reservoir. I was heartbroken by the sight. I could almost feel the pain of Mother Earth as she cried out. Then, high up on a ridge, I saw two deer facing the fire, staring at it in what felt like a disbelief in their eyes. They looked on with almost a confusion and a wonder. Did they come from that area? Did they evacuate like so many others? It brought a stillness to my mind. A moment of quiet reverence for these magnificent beasts.
I am so connected to nature that when things like this take place, my heart and soul breaks apart. But then I remember how amazing mother nature is. Though trees and grasses turn to ash today, tomorrow new growth will begin underneath the soil. The ashes feed the forest and death and decay provide precious nutrients for life to begin once again. This process brings me hope, but also provides a cautionary tale. Just how much more is Mother Earth going to allow careless people to destroy her children? What can I do to ensure her continued gifts to us? These become my thoughts for the future of humanity, the beautiful creatures that coexist with us and for Mother herself. I vow to do my part. I vow to always defend her.
If you wish to help contribute aid to victims of the fire, here are a few sources:
Financial Donations
Cash donations are the most flexible way to help because they allow relief agencies to buy exactly what victims and first responders need most.
United Way of Southern Colorado: Has set up an emergency relief fund to support the local area and evacuees.
American Red Cross of Colorado: Financial gifts support emergency shelters, food, and casework services.
Material Goods & Supply Drop-offs
Relief officials request that you only donate new, unopened, or requested items: Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado: Accepting new socks, lip balm, wet wipes, and wrapped snacks. Drop off at 429 W. 10th St., Pueblo, CO.
Fremont County Emergency Management: Collecting supplies at 1901 East Main Street, Cañon City.
Pueblo County: Accepting items like bottled water, commercial pre-packaged food, and diapers at the Pueblo County Recreation Center (1650 Cooper Place).
Livestock & Pet Assistance
Many animals have been displaced by the wildfires.
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region: Donate to their Emergency Response Fund or drop off supplies for household pets.
Livestock & Feed: Grass hay and poultry/livestock feed can be dropped off at the Colorado State Fairgrounds (Gate 7 on Small Avenue).
For complete, updated information on how and where to help, check the Colorado Responds Disaster Portal.
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