Flash Flooding Sends Ash and Debris Through Colorado Burn Scars

Flash flooding tore through Colorado communities near the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain wildfire burn scars for a second straight day, forcing evacuations and closing roads as ash-laden water and debris swept downhill.

Ash-Filled Floodwater Forces Evacuations Near the Aspen Acres Burn Scar

Flash flooding surged through Beulah, Colorado, for a second consecutive day Wednesday, prompting evacuations and closing roads across the Aspen Acres burn scar. The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District urged residents near Highway 78 to move to higher ground as floodwater advanced toward Central Avenue, while the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office reported mud and debris covering roads and warned drivers not to enter moving or standing water.

Runoff carried burned trees, rocks, propane tanks and other debris downhill through Beulah, San Isabel and Wetmore, worsening existing fire-related closures on Colorado Highways 165 and 78. At least one vehicle was caught in the floodwater, according to images released by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.