California Deploys Firefighters and Equipment to Colorado as Wildfire Burns 85,000 Acres

Saratoga, California — Governor Gavin Newsom announced July 4 that California is deploying 15 CAL FIRE engines and 53 personnel to Colorado to support firefighting efforts on the Aspen Acres Fire, which has burned over 85,000 acres and remains at zero percent containment.

The deployment marks the first time CAL FIRE has sent firefighting resources to Colorado under the National Association of State Foresters state-to-state partnership. Crews departed California on July 4 and are expected to remain in Colorado for up to 14 days.

Governor Newsom said the deployment reflects the American spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, noting that Colorado supported California during the 2024 Park Fire and the 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires. The Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties is burning amid critically dry fuel conditions driven by drought.

CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler said wildfire is a shared reality across the West and that the opportunity to support Colorado the way they have supported California is both important and necessary. The deployment will not impact California's firefighting capacity, as reserve engines will maintain full staffing levels during the Fourth of July holiday.

Sources: Office of the Governor of California (gov.ca.gov).