Aspen Acres Fire Tests Colorado's New Insurance Reforms
The Aspen Acres fire, which began on June 29, 2026, has become a significant test of Colorado's recent property insurance reforms. The wildfire, the seventh-largest in state history, has destroyed over 300 homes and burned 102,000 acres across four counties. Many affected homeowners, like 88-year-old Bob Griggs, are struggling with inadequate or nonexistent insurance coverage. Colorado's FAIR Plan, a state-backed insurance program introduced in 2025, is being tested for the first time, with only one home insured under the plan. The fire has also highlighted challenges in securing federal disaster assistance, as the state awaits a decision on a major disaster declaration from the federal government. 
