Fires Rage Across State

The Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo County has now destroyed at least 254 homes and, at 35% containment, has burned more than 98,000 acres—making it the seventh-largest wildfire in state history.

The Ferris Fire, sparked June 27 in Dolores County, is the 10th-largest in state history. As of Sunday, the fire has burned 64,369 acres and is 23% contained.

Two wildfires broke out south and southeast of Steamboat Springs on Sunday, triggering mandatory evacuations. The Willow Fire, burning west of Leadville, is now over 6,200 acres and 33% contained.

Though hot, dry weather and elevated fire danger are expected to persist this week, midweek monsoons could bring relief to the Western Slope on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Click here for a live map of wildfires across the state.

Pilot Dies in Firefighting Crash

A pilot died Sunday when a firefighting helicopter battling the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray crashed into a reservoir.

A dive team later recovered the body of the pilot, identified as Nicholas Dale, 56, of British Columbia. No one else was in the helicopter, authorities said.

The pilot is the fourth person killed while fighting wildfires in Colorado this year. Three firefighters were killed June 27 while battling the Snyder Fire in Mesa County.

More than 1,000 people are fighting the Gold Mountain Fire, which is over 35,000 acres and 5% contained.

Colorado Connector Unveils Mascot

The Front Range Passenger Rail District has released logos and other branding for the Colorado Connector (CoCo), a train service that will eventually connect Pueblo to Fort Collins.

In addition to an orange and blue bubble-letter logo, the district unveiled its mascot: an animated fox wearing a bandana of the Colorado flag. See a photo here.

“Bold illustrations, vibrant colors, and a friendly style make this brand feel approachable and easy to use, while reflecting the trust and reliability of a major public initiative,” the agency said.

CoCo is expected to launch Denver-Fort Collins commuter service in 2029, with more complete service from Pueblo to Fort Collins beginning by 2032, depending on the results of a ballot initiative.

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➤ Statewide: Cases of melanoma have increased over the past two decades, with a significant spike in 2020, according to state data. (More)

➤ Evergreen Fire Rescue is asking voters to approve a 0.89% sales tax increase to help fund emergency services, citing soaring costs and growing demand. (More)

➤ Statewide: Colorado is one of the 15 states suing the U.S. Department of Education to block cuts to school mental health funding. (More)

➤ Statewide: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding residents to be “bear aware” amid what could be a record year for bear reports. (More)

➤ Denver: Authorities detained six people after reports of gunfire at a Cherry Creek State Park swim beach. No injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Larkspur: An ultralight helicopter crashed near Perry Park on Monday morning. The sole occupant, a 65-year-old man, was airlifted to a hospital. (More)

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➤ The Avalanche signed 23-year-old forward Fabian Lysell to a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season, giving the former first-round pick a prove-it deal just weeks after acquiring him from the Boston Bruins. (More)

➤ Buffs coach Deion Sanders is building Colorado’s largest and highest‑rated 2027 recruiting class, with 20 commits ranked No. 3 in the Big 12. (More)

➤ The San Francisco Giants overcame Jake McCarthy’s leadoff inside-the-park home run to beat the Rockies 3-1 on Sunday. (More)    

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➤ Two taxi companies filed legal complaints pushing back against Waymo’s plan to launch driverless rides in Denver later this month, arguing the robo-taxi company is trying to sidestep regulatory burdens. (More)

➤ A new beer garden will open in Denver’s River North area this Saturday. The 17,000-square-foot space features a large patio, a reinforced tent structure, and two retrofitted shipping containers for a bar. (More)

➤ Colorado ranked as the sixth-most expensive state for homeowners insurance premiums this year, with a statewide average of $4,164, according to a new study. (See Map)

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➤ Water World’s new attraction area, Summit Canyon, opens this Thursday, featuring the park’s tallest point and first-ever drop-capsule water slide. (See Details)

➤ This list of 15 things to do in the mountains this July has everything from food and wine festivals to a rooftop rodeo. (See List)

➤ Make-A-Wish Colorado is holding a summer concert series in Denver this August, with every dollar from ticket sales going to granting wishes for Colorado kids. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ How can you make your phone battery last significantly longer without buying a new device? (Hear More)

➤ Homeless encampments have taken over 12 blocks near a popular New York City museum, and workers say the city has stopped clearing them. (Hear Episode)

➤ A fire tore through a crowded bar in Thailand this weekend, killing dozens. (Listen Now)

Have you ever ridden in a Waymo?

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Yesterday’s Results:

Have you been to Water World this summer?

1. No, not my thing: 61%
2. No, but I’d like to go: 17%
3. Yes, more than once: 11%
4. Yes, once: 11%

In what year did a major fire destroy much of Denver’s business district, resulting in city reforms to fire regulation and construction practices?

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