Colorado wildfire burn scars at risk of more flooding after storms trigger another Flash Flood Emergency
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its second Flash Flood Emergency of the week for the area, with the Beulah community bearing the brunt of the flooding.
Downpours trigger more Colorado Flash Flood Emergencies across wildfire burn scars
A flash flood risk remains for parts of Colorado through the end of the workweek, including the Pueblo area, where heavy downpours triggered more debris flows near the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar on Wednesday. The National Weather Service issued its second Flash Flood Emergency of the week for the area. Another Flash Flood Emergency was also issued Wednesday for a separate burn scar farther west in Ouray County.
BEULAH, Colo. — A flash flood risk remains for parts of Colorado through the end of the workweek, including the Pueblo area, where heavy downpours triggered more debris flows near the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar on Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its second Flash Flood Emergency of the week for the area, with the Beulah community bearing the brunt of the flooding.
Another Flash Flood Emergency was also issued Wednesday for a separate burn scar farther west in Ouray County.
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Image 1 of 4Pueblo County Flash Flood Emergency due to debris flow from Aspen Acres Fire on July 28, 2026. (Pueblo County Sheriff/Facebook)
![Pueblo County Flash Flood Emergency due to debris flow from Aspen Acres Fire on July 28, 2026.]()
Image 2 of 4Pueblo County Flash Flood Emergency due to debris flow from Aspen Acres Fire on July 28, 2026. (Pueblo County Sheriff/Facebook)
![Pueblo County Flash Flood Emergency due to debris flow from Aspen Acres Fire on July 28, 2026.]()
Image 3 of 4Pueblo County Flash Flood Emergency due to debris flow from Aspen Acres Fire on July 28, 2026. (Pueblo County Sheriff/Facebook)
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Image 4 of 4Damage reported during Flash Flood Emergency in Colorado on July 28, 2026. (Pueblo County Sheriff's Office)
The NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency near the Gold Mountain Fire burn scar in Ouray County, just northeast of Ponderosa Village just before 7 p.m. local time through 9 p.m.
The Aspen Acres Fire Flash Flood Emergency was issued shortly after, around 7:30 p.m. through 10 p.m.
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Both emergencies were tagged by the NWS as a "particularly dangerous situation," indicating that life-threatening flooding was underway.
Officials warned that up to 3 inches of rain could fall in as little as one hour.
Watch: Downpours trigger second Colorado Flash Flood Emergency near Aspen Acres Fire burn scar
Downpours triggered more debris flows in Colorado near the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar, prompting the National Weather Service to issue the second Flash Flood Emergency for the area this week.
Impacts of the heavy rain were amplified by the mountainous terrain and poor water absorption across the burn scar, sending water rushing down into lower elevations.
The NWS has received reports that debris flows have destroyed at least five homes and multiple bridges, while also toppling power poles and propane tanks. One official said they spotted a home floating down a creek near Beulah.
Fire officials in nearby Custer County said three homes were significantly damaged near the San Isabel Lodge.
Father west, within the Gold Mountain Fire burn scar, the Ouray County Sheriff's Office ordered residents on social media to evacuate immediately.
"If you are home and able to, emergency services are directing residents to evacuate the area for your safety," the sheriff's office said. "Climb to high ground if you are not able to evacuate."
A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for the region near the Aspen Acres Burn Scar.
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
On Tuesday, debris flows caused by the torrential rain quickly made roads near Beulah impassable.
Officials reported flooding and mudslides in the same area around State Highway 165, as well as San Isabel and Wetmore.
Flash Flood Emergency declared near Colorado burn scar as heavy rain impacts the region
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for areas near the Aspen Acres burn scar in Colorado after 1 to 3 inches of rain fell across the region. Officials warn the heavy rain has triggered dangerous debris flows, creating a life-threatening situation.
The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District said on social media that the area experienced significant debris flows.
In Fremont County, the sheriff's office warned residents on social media about impassable roads and to avoid the area.
No injuries or deaths have been reported in any of the flash flooding incidents.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Level 1 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms from the Denver metro area into southern Colorado on Friday, including the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar, where a flash flood threat also remains.
(FOX Weather)
The Aspen Acres wildfire has burned more than 100,000 acres since June 28, is very vulnerable to debris flows. The wildfire is currently 66% contained.
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According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), debris flows are fast-moving landslides that pose a significant threat to life and property because they can occur with little warning and destroy nearly everything in their path.
The Aspen Burn Scar which burn more than 100,000 acres since June 28.
(FOX Weather)
Debris flows can travel at speeds exceeding 35 mph and are capable of carrying massive boulders, trees and even vehicles downstream.
Burn scars are susceptible to debris flow and flash flooding since soil that normally helps absorb rainfall has been destroyed, allowing water, mud and debris to rush downhill.