Investigators Say Aspen Tree Falling on Power Lines Caused Aspen Acres Fire
State investigators determined that the Aspen Acres fire, which burned over 100,000 acres in Pueblo and Custer counties, was caused by an Aspen tree falling onto energized powerlines. The fire became Colorado's seventh-largest wildfire, caused significant property damage and was…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 13, 2026 —
State investigators have determined that an Aspen tree falling onto energized powerlines caused the Aspen Acres fire, which burned more than 100,000 acres in Pueblo and Custer counties, according to the information provided.
The fire became Colorado’s seventh-largest wildfire and caused significant property damage. One person died in subsequent flash flooding, the summary says. It does not provide details about when the fire began, how long it burned or the circumstances surrounding the flooding death.
The finding identifies the reported ignition cause, but further details about the investigation were not provided. The names of the investigating agencies, the date the determination was announced and any evidence or methods used to reach it are not specified. The summary also does not identify a power company, the location where the tree fell or whether investigators attributed responsibility to any person or organization.
The extent and type of property damage were not detailed, and no monetary estimate was provided. The summary does not state whether the fire resulted in any citations, legal action or changes to power-line operations. It also does not identify the person who died or provide details about where or when the flash flooding occurred.
The available information establishes the investigators’ conclusion, the fire’s reported size and ranking, and its stated consequences. Further specifics about the investigation, damage and flooding were not included in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Savannah Eller on gazette.com, see more information here.
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