For Immediate Release

CSU Pueblo Postpones Let Freedom Howl! Fourth of July Celebration to Support Community Wildfire Response

PUEBLO, Colo., July 3, 2026 — Colorado State University Pueblo has postponed its Let Freedom Howl! Fourth of July celebration, originally scheduled for Saturday, July 4, due to the ongoing Aspen Acres Fire and the significant emergency response underway throughout Pueblo County.

The university intends to reschedule the event for a later date. Details will be announced as plans are finalized.

The decision reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the community during an active wildfire response. While CSU Pueblo looked forward to welcoming thousands of community members to campus for its Independence Day celebration, university leaders determined it was in the best interest of the community to ensure local public safety, emergency response, traffic management, and other resources remain focused on protecting lives, homes, and communities impacted by the fire.

Since earlier this week, CSU Pueblo has served as a base of operations for hundreds of firefighters and incident command personnel supporting the Aspen Acres Fire response. As the wildfire response continues to grow and additional emergency resources are expected on campus over the next several days, the university determined it was necessary to keep campus available to support those operations.

“As we commemorate 250 years of our nation’s history, we are reminded that America’s strength has always been found in its people and in communities that come together during times of need,” said President Rhonda Epper. “This year, the most meaningful way we can celebrate Independence Day is by putting our community first. By postponing this event, we are helping ensure local emergency resources remain focused on the ongoing wildfire response while continuing to support the firefighters, first responders, and families affected by the Aspen Acres Fire.”

Although Let Freedom Howl! has been postponed, CSU Pueblo encourages community members to celebrate the spirit of Independence Day by standing with neighbors in need. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate is by supporting organizations providing relief and recovery assistance to those impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire and other wildfires across Colorado.

Supporting Wildfire Relief Efforts

United Way of Southern Colorado has established the Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to individuals, families, and communities impacted by wildfires throughout the region.

Donations can be made online at unitedwaysoco.org/emergencyinfo or mailed to:

Please note “Wildfire Relief Fund” in the memo line of mailed checks and, if desired, specify the community you wish to support.

United Way is also accepting requested relief supplies Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 510 W. 3rd Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. A current list of needed items is available at unitedwaysoco.org/emergencyinfo .

Community members may also support wildfire response and long-term recovery efforts by contributing to the WCCF Emergency Response and Recovery Fund at wcolcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4102 .

Official Aspen Acres Fire Updates

For official information and updates regarding the Aspen Acres Fire, residents are encouraged to follow:

• puebloemergency.info
• Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: facebook.com/PuebloSheriff
• Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on X: @PuebloCountySO
• Hashtag: #AspenAcres