The Aspen Acres Fire has caused heartbreaking damage across southern Colorado. Homes, businesses, barns, garages, and other buildings have been lost. Some parts of Beulah now look very different from how they looked before the fire.
The fire began on June 29, 2026, and spread through Pueblo and Custer counties. Strong winds and very dry land helped the flames move quickly. As of July 14, the fire had burned about 99,000 acres, destroyed more than 850 structures, and was 36% contained. Officials have said the fire was caused by people, but its exact starting point and cause were still being investigated.
A Community Changed by the Aspen Acres Fire
The damage in Beulah is difficult to understand without seeing it. In some neighborhoods, one home is still standing while the home next door is gone. Trees, vehicles, fences, and family belongings have also been damaged or destroyed.
The historic Horseshoe Lodge at Pueblo Mountain Park was among the buildings lost. Local volunteer firefighters worked to protect their neighbors even while facing losses of their own. Denver7 reported that about one-third of Beulah’s 27-person volunteer fire team lost their homes. Even after losing so much, these firefighters continued helping their community.
The number of damaged buildings has continued to change as crews inspect more areas. A July 10 aerial review reported by The Colorado Sun identified 780 destroyed structures across Pueblo and Custer counties. That total included homes, garages, barns, and sheds. County inspections were still in progress, so the final amount of damage may be higher.
Fire and Insurance Damage Is Not Always Easy to See
A home does not need to burn down to have a serious insurance claim. Heat can harm a roof, windows, siding, wiring, pipes, and other parts of a building. Smoke and ash can enter walls, air systems, furniture, clothing, and personal items.
Some damage may be hidden. A house may look safe from the outside but still have smoke, soot, or unsafe materials inside. Water used to fight the fire can also cause damage. Colorado insurance officials have explained that homeowners policies may cover smoke, water, electrical, and indoor damage caused by extreme heat.
Property owners should wait until officials say it is safe before returning. Be careful when entering a damaged home or business.
What to Do After Returning to Your Aspen Acres Property
Your safety comes first. Follow evacuation notices and instructions from local officials. Do not enter an area that is still closed.
When you are allowed to return, take clear photos and videos before moving or cleaning anything. Record every damaged room and the outside of the property. Take close-up and wide photos. Include damaged buildings, personal items, trees, vehicles, fences, and outdoor equipment.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Ask for a claim number and the name of the adjuster handling your claim. Keep a notebook or digital file with every phone call, email, letter, estimate, and receipt.
Make only the emergency repairs needed to protect the property from more harm. For example, you may need to cover an opening or stop water from entering the building. Do not make large repairs or throw away damaged items before the insurance company has had a fair chance to inspect them. Keep receipts for all emergency work.
Insurance Coverage After the Aspen Acres Fire
Insurance policies are different, but wildfire claims may include several types of coverage.
Home Insurance Coverage for Aspen Acres Fire Damage
Dwelling coverage may pay to repair or rebuild the home. Other structures coverage may apply to a garage, shed, fence, or separate building. Personal property coverage may help replace furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics, and other belongings.
Additional Living Expense Insurance Coverage
Additional living expense coverage may help with extra costs when a home cannot be lived in. These costs may include a hotel, temporary rent, added meal costs, laundry, and extra travel. Save every receipt and ask the insurance company what proof it needs.
Colorado law also provides added protections after certain declared wildfire disasters. For example, qualifying homeowners with a total loss may be able to receive part of their personal property coverage before completing a full list of every lost item. Qualifying policies may also provide at least 24 months of additional living expense coverage after a total loss. The exact coverage will depend on the policy and the facts of the claim.
Business Insurance Coverage After the Aspen Acres Fire
A business policy may include coverage for building damage, equipment, inventory, and lost income. Business owners should keep sales records, tax documents, payroll records, and proof of canceled work. These documents may help show how the fire affected the business.
Watch for Insurance Delays or Low Estimates
Large fires can create thousands of insurance claims at the same time. Inspections, reports, and payments may take longer than expected. Still, property owners should receive clear answers about what their policies cover and how the insurance company calculated its offer.
Read all letters before signing anything. Ask questions when an estimate leaves out part of the damage. A first estimate may not include hidden smoke damage, updated building costs, building code upgrades, debris removal, or all lost personal property.
Do not feel pressured to accept a payment you do not understand. You may be able to ask for another inspection, submit more documents, or provide estimates from qualified contractors. Keep communication in writing when possible.
How Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP May Help With Aspen Acres Insurance Claims
Recovering after a wildfire can feel overwhelming. Families may be trying to find housing, replace important items, care for animals, and understand a long insurance policy at the same time.
Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP represents property owners in insurance claim disputes. Our team can review the policy, explain possible coverage, examine the insurance company’s estimate, and help address a claim that has been delayed, denied, or underpaid.
Property owners affected by the Aspen Acres Fire do not have to face the insurance process alone. Contact Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP to discuss your property insurance claim and learn about your possible next steps.
