What happened
Last checked September 26, 2026. Disaster declarations and designated areas change — always confirm current status with FEMA and with Matthew.
News reports place the Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer counties in southern Colorado, with evacuations also touching parts of Fremont County. News reports describe damage in the burn area.
An earlier version of this page listed Fremont County as the affected area, based on zip codes in a lender's appraisal notice. That was an incomplete picture. The best way to know whether your specific address is included in any declaration is to check FEMA's designated areas and confirm with Matthew.
Where the declaration stands
Watching Colorado requested a major disaster declaration covering its 2026 wildfires. FEMA's data shows DR-4944 (wildfires, flooding, and mudslides; incident period June 27–July 29, 2026) with a declaration date of September 1, 2026 and Public Assistance only — which helps local governments with debris cleanup and public infrastructure — for Custer, Dolores, Ouray, and Pueblo counties. Individual Assistance was not granted. News coverage of the decision came in mid-September and reported that the state could appeal within 30 days.
Declaration dates are from FEMA's data and may differ by a day or two from press-release dates; confirm with Matthew.
Individual Assistance is the part that helps households directly, and it's the designation many lenders and FHA disaster policies look for when deciding whether 203(h) applies. See why the declaration type matters.
203(h) is time-sensitive. Tell Matthew your county and what happened to your home — he'll help you check eligibility and next steps.
Talk with MatthewWhat this means for FHA 203(h)
Right now, 203(h) availability for Aspen Acres Fire survivors is uncertain. A Public-Assistance-only declaration may not make homeowners eligible. If Colorado appeals and Individual Assistance is later approved for your county, the picture could change. In that case, the one-year clock would generally run from the declaration date, not from the date of the appeal decision — so time may already be passing. Matthew will confirm the rules and the exact deadline if that happens.
A practical approach: gather your 203(h) documents now — proof you lived there, insurance claim, adjuster's report, photos — so you're ready if the status changes, while also exploring the options below.
Options available now
- Standard FHA purchase. If you want to buy a replacement home now, a standard FHA loan may work. FHA's minimum down payment applies, and insurance proceeds can sometimes help.
- FHA 203(k) to repair or rebuild. If the home is repairable, or you own the lot and want to rebuild, a 203(k) can finance the work in one loan. See rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k) and FHA203kInfo.com.
- Insurance. Your homeowner's policy is often the largest source of recovery money. Get the adjuster's report in writing and track additional living expenses.
- Existing mortgage relief. If you have a mortgage on the damaged home, call your servicer and read disaster mortgage relief options.
Possible if the status changes: SBA home disaster loans generally require Individual Assistance or a separate SBA declaration; check SBA.gov.
Documents to gather while you wait
- Proof you lived at the property before the fire — Colorado driver's license, utility bills, voter registration, lease or mortgage statement
- Your insurance claim number, the adjuster's written report, and any settlement letters
- County damage assessment or notices, if Pueblo or Custer County issued them
- Photos and video of the property, plus receipts for temporary housing
These help with nearly every recovery option, not just 203(h). The full list is on the requirements page.
Buying or selling in the fire area
If you're buying a home in or near the burn area, lenders may require a post-fire property inspection or an appraisal update before closing on homes in affected zip codes, to confirm the property wasn't damaged. Build a little extra time into your contract for that step. Real estate agents working these areas can find help on the Realtor resources page.
Matthew is licensed in multiple states, not everywhere — tell Matthew where the property is and he'll confirm he can help there.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Aspen Acres Fire eligible for 203(h)?
Not clearly, as of September 26, 2026. Individual Assistance was denied, though the state could appeal. Matthew is watching for changes.
Which counties were affected?
News reports place the fire in Pueblo and Custer counties, with evacuations touching Fremont County. Confirm your address in FEMA's designated areas.
Should I wait to see if the appeal succeeds?
You don't have to choose. Gather documents now and explore other options in parallel so you're ready either way.
Find out if FHA 203(h) fits your situation
Tell Matthew a little about the property and your plans. He'll follow up by phone or email — no obligation.
Prefer to start now? Start your pre-approval · Schedule a call · (512) 952-1125
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