Like so many in the communities affected by the Aspen Acres wildfire evacuation in Southern Colorado, we at Mountain Disposal are right there with you. We too are under wildfire evacuation orders at our building, and many of our employees are evacuated from their homes. Being told to evacuate is something no one ever expects. Days can quickly turn into weeks, leaving our families wondering when we’ll be able to return and what we’ll find when we do.

If the Aspen Acres Fire has displaced you and your family, you’re not alone. Many of our neighbors throughout Southern Colorado are experiencing the same uncertainty. While everyone hopes for good news, waiting can be one of the hardest parts of the process.

Although you may not be able to control when evacuation orders are lifted, there are several things you can do now that will help you stay prepared and make the transition home a little smoother when the time comes. Here are some tips from Mountain Disposal if you are part of the wildfire evacuation Southern Colorado is experiencing. 

Stay Connected to Official Updates

Rumors often spread quickly during emergencies, especially on social media. While it’s natural to want answers as soon as possible, rely on official sources for evacuation notices, road closures, and re-entry information.

Continue checking updates from your county emergency management office, local law enforcement, fire officials, and trusted community organizations. Conditions can change quickly, and official notifications will provide the most accurate information about when it is safe to return.

If possible, enable emergency alerts on your phone so you receive important notifications as they become available.

Keep Important Documents Together

While you’re away from home, keep your essential documents in one secure location that is easy to access. This may include identification, insurance policies, medical information, financial records, and any paperwork related to your property.

Having these documents readily available can save valuable time if you need to file an insurance claim, replace important items, or verify ownership once you return home.

If you have digital copies stored securely online, make sure you know how to access them from your phone or another device.

Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Extended wildfire evacuations can be exhausting. Living in temporary housing, staying with family, or moving between locations can disrupt normal routines and create additional stress.

Try to maintain regular meals, stay hydrated, get as much rest as possible, and continue taking any prescribed medications. If you have children, creating a simple daily routine can provide a sense of stability during an uncertain time.

It’s also important to acknowledge the emotional impact of an evacuation. Feeling anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed is completely understandable. Stay connected with friends, family, and neighbors whenever possible, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.

Communities recover best when they support one another!

Make a List of Questions for Your Insurance Company

Waiting for re-entry can be a good time to contact your insurance provider and understand what your policy covers.

Consider asking questions such as:

• What documentation will be needed if there is damage?
• Should I take photographs before beginning cleanup?
• Are temporary living expenses covered?
• Does my policy cover debris removal?
• Are there approved restoration contractors I should contact?

Having these answers ahead of time can make the recovery process less stressful once you’re able to return.

Begin Planning Your Return Home After They Lift the Wildfire Evacuation in Southern Colorado

Although you may not know exactly when you’ll be allowed back, thinking through your first day home can help reduce stress later.

Create a checklist of tasks you plan to complete, such as:

• Inspect the exterior of your home.
• Check for damaged utility lines.
• Photograph any damage before moving items.
• Dispose of spoiled food if power was lost.
• Contact your insurance company if necessary.
• Schedule cleanup or debris removal services if needed.

Having a plan allows you to focus on each step instead of trying to remember everything during an emotional time.

Think About Cleanup Needs

Even homes that escaped direct fire damage may still require significant cleanup due to smoke, ash, fallen branches, spoiled food, or damaged outdoor items.

As you prepare to return, consider how much waste your cleanup may generate. Weekly curbside service may be enough for some households, while others may need additional capacity for larger cleanup projects.

If your property has extensive debris, home repairs, or damaged fencing, a roll-off dumpster can often make cleanup safer and more efficient by providing one convenient location for waste during the restoration process.

Planning ahead allows you to begin cleanup more quickly once you’re home.

Check on Your Neighbors

One of the things that makes Southern Colorado special is the willingness of neighbors to help one another.

If you know someone who may need extra assistance when evacuation orders are lifted, consider reaching out. Older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children may appreciate help checking on their property, hauling debris, or simply having someone there to lend a hand.

Recovery is rarely something people do alone.

Remember That Recovery From the Wildfire Evacuation in Southern Colorado is Going Through Takes Time

Returning home doesn’t always mean life immediately returns to normal. Even if your property was spared, there may still be cleanup, repairs, or emotional recovery ahead.

Give yourself permission to take things one step at a time. Focus first on safety, then on cleaning and restoring your property. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that asking for help is part of the recovery process.

At Mountain Disposal, we’ve been proud to serve Southern Colorado communities for decades. During challenging times like these, our thoughts remain with every family affected by the Aspen Acres Fire. As communities begin the recovery process, we’re here to provide dependable waste and disposal services that help make cleanup a little easier. Whether you need your regular curbside service, additional waste removal, or a roll-off dumpster for a larger project, our team is ready to help when you’re ready to come home after the wildfire evacuation Colorado has been through.

Recovery may not happen overnight, but together, our communities are resilient. One step, one neighbor, and one day at a time, we’ll continue moving forward.