Author: comms

Derby Fire: Road closure point at Colorado River and Coffee Pot roads

comms

Eagle County Sheriff’s Office

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office has made a change to the Colorado River Road closure near Dotsero, CO, moving the closure from north of the Dotsero roundabout to just north of the intersection of Colorado River and Coffee Pot roads. Coffee Pot Road is now open to non-local traffic. Colorado River Road remains closed to all non-local residents and non-emergency traffic north of this intersection. A security checkpoint is in place at this point.

#DerbyFire

Photo: A law enforcement officer serves at the security checkpoint on Colorado River Road. Photo by Stephen Rawding/Derby Fire.

8-25-25 Road closure sign with deputy and service dog
Derby Fire: Road closure point at Colorado River and Coffee Pot roads

Derby Fire: Residents to be granted limited access to Sweetwater Valley and Sheep Creek

comms,

Eagle County Sheriff’s Office / Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Eagle/Garfield Counties– Starting Monday, August 25 at 10 a.m., the Eagle County and Garfield County Sheriff’s Offices, in coordination with Derby Fire managers, will begin transitioning Sweetwater Valley and Sheep Creek from full evacuation to pre-evacuation (SET) status. This change will allow residents to return to their properties while remaining prepared to leave if conditions change. 

We’re grateful to offer limited access so residents can rest in their homes for now. That said, livestock are not to be returned yet, as fire activity could shift and safety remains our top priority. 

“This is not a full repopulation, as the risks are still very high and residents should remain prepared to vacate at any time,” said James Van Beek, Eagle County Sheriff. 

To protect both residents and fire crews, travel within the restricted area must remain extremely limited. If travel is essential, the best window is between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when conditions are safest and least disruptive to emergency operations. 

We are working closely with the school district to ensure continuity for students. School buses will run at their normal times, with pickup and drop-off occurring at regular locations. This is considered essential travel and will be supported throughout the response. 

Please avoid all nonessential movement, as fire activity remains unpredictable and crews need clear access to operate safely. 

Reentry for residents will require verification of residency or property ownership at the closure points on Colorado River Road. Federal Law Enforcement and Sheriff’s Office personnel will facilitate this process and issue authorized passes accordingly. 

Firefighting and structure protection efforts are actively underway, and residents traveling to and from their properties should be aware that fuel reduction and defensible space work may result in noticeable changes to the landscape. Please do not move or drive over any firefighting or water-handling equipment, as crews may need to use it quickly if fire conditions shift. Always yield to fire personnel and vehicles, and know that teams are working diligently to restore full access and help residents return to their homes permanently. 

If you hold a permit issued by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, please coordinate directly with the issuing agency to arrange access to the restricted area. â€śThank you for your cooperation. It will allow us to provide this limited access for evacuated residents and still ensure safety for you and firefighting personnel, “ Sheriff Van Beek said.

Derby Fire official information

FACEBOOK – Derby fire @derbyfire
INCIWEB – Derby Fire
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST – facebook.com/whiteriverNF @whiteriverNF

_______________

EAGLE COUNTY INFO
DERBY FIRE: EAGLE COUNTY EVACUATION MAP
REGISTER FOR ALERTS – 911 alerts
INCIDENT UPDATES – EC Emergency or Reachwell app
FACEBOOK – facebook.com/eaglecountyso @eaglecountyso

________________

GARFIELD COUNTY INFO
DERBY FIRE: GARFIELD COUNTY INTERACTIVE EVACUATION MAP
REGISTER FOR ALERTS – 911 alerts or Reachwell app
INCIDENT UPDATES / SUBSCRIBE – Garfield County emergency
FACEBOOK – facebook.com/garcosheriff @garcosheriff

Incendio de Derby: Los residentes tendrán acceso limitado a Sweetwater Valley y Sheep Creek

Condados de Eagle y Garfield: a partir del lunes 25 de agosto a las 10 a.m., las Oficinas del Sheriff del condado de Eagle y del condado de Garfield, en coordinación con los administradores del incendio Derby, comenzarán a hacer la transición de Sweetwater Valley y Sheep Creek del estado de evacuación total al estado de pre-evacuación (SET). Este cambio permitirá a los residentes regresar a sus propiedades y permanecer preparados para irse si las condiciones cambian.

Agradecemos poder ofrecer acceso limitado para que los residentes puedan descansar en sus hogares por ahora. Dicho esto, el ganado no debe regresar todavĂ­a, ya que la actividad del fuego podrĂ­a cambiar y la seguridad sigue siendo nuestra principal prioridad.

“Esta no es una repoblación total, ya que los riesgos siguen siendo muy altos y los residentes deben estar preparados para desalojar en cualquier momento ”, dijo James Van Beek, sheriff del Condado de Eagle.

Para proteger tanto a los residentes como a los bomberos, el acceso dentro del área restringida debe permanecer extremadamente limitado. Si desplazarse es esencial, el mejor momento para hacerlo es entre las 10:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., cuando las condiciones son más seguras y menos disruptivas para las operaciones de emergencia.

Estamos trabajando en estrecha colaboración con el distrito escolar para garantizar continuidad para los estudiantes. Los autobuses escolares funcionarán en sus horarios habituales y las recogidas y bajadas se realizarán en los lugares habituales. Este se considera un viaje esencial y contará con apoyo durante toda la respuesta.

Evite todo movimiento que no sea esencial, ya que la actividad del incendio sigue siendo impredecible y los equipos necesitan acceso libre para operar de manera segura.

El reingreso de los residentes requerirá verificación de residencia o propiedad en los puntos de cierre en Colorado River Road. El personal de las fuerzas del orden federales y de la Oficina del Sheriff facilitarán este proceso y emitirán pases autorizados en consecuencia.

Los esfuerzos de extinción de incendios y protección de estructuras están en marcha activamente, y los residentes que viajan hacia y desde sus propiedades deben ser conscientes de que la reducción de combustible y el trabajo de espacio defendible pueden resultar en cambios notables en el paisaje. No mueva ni conduzca sobre ningún equipo contra incendios o de manejo de agua, ya que los equipos podrían necesitar usarlo rápidamente si las condiciones del incendio cambian. Ceda siempre el paso al personal de bomberos y a los vehículos, y sepa que los equipos están trabajando diligentemente para restablecer el acceso total y ayudar a los residentes a regresar a sus hogares de forma permanente.

Si tiene un permiso emitido por el Servicio Forestal o la Oficina de Administración de Tierras, coordine directamente con la agencia emisora para organizar el acceso al área restringida.

“Gracias por su cooperaciĂłn. Eso nos permitirá brindar este acceso limitado a los residentes evacuados y aĂşn asĂ­ garantizar su seguridad y la del personal de bomberos“, dijo el Sheriff Van Beek.

InformaciĂłn oficial de Derby Fire

FACEBOOK – Derby Fire @derbyfire 
INCIWEB – Derby Fire 
BOSQUE NACIONAL WHITE RIVER – facebook.com/whiteriverNF @whiteriverNF

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INFORMACIĂ“N DEL CONDADO DE EAGLE
INCENDIO DE DERBY: MAPA DE EVACUACIĂ“N DEL CONDADO DE EAGLE
REGĂŤSTRESE PARA RECIBIR ALERTAS – Alertas del 911 ACTUALIZACIONES DE INCIDENTES – Emergencia EC o aplicaciĂłn Reachwell FACEBOOK – facebook.com/eaglecountyso @eaglecountyso

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INFORMACIĂ“N DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD
DERBY FIRE: MAPA DE EVACUACIĂ“N INTERACTIVO DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD
REGĂŤSTRESE PARA RECIBIR ALERTAS: alertas del 911 o aplicaciĂłn Reachwell
ACTUALIZACIONES DE INCIDENTES / SUSCRĂŤBASE: emergencia del condado de Garfield
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/garcosheriff @garcosheriff

Derby Fire: Residents to be granted limited access to Sweetwater Valley and Sheep Creek

Derby Fire: Successful burnout on southern side of fire

comms

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

As of late afternoon on Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Derby Fire is 5,346 acres in size, with 0% containment and 648 personnel. Firefighters were able to conduct a successful burnout operation in the Horse Creek Drainage on the southern side of the fire before the afternoon rain. Line construction continued along the southwest and southeast edges of the fire.

Firefighters had strong support from aerial resources today, working with both retardant and water drops. Two military modular air firefighting systems (MAFFs) and supporting personnel arrived to assist with retardant drops. Aircraft aiding firefighting operations included four single-engine airtankers (SEATs), one large air tanker (LAT), two heavy helicopters, and a helicopter flying reconnaissance missions which also retrieved firefighters dropped off to tackle spot fires. When many aircraft are flying, in-air coordination is needed! Two air attack planes coordinated retardant and water bucket drops, a lead plane guided the large tankers and two Type 3 helicopters acted as communications repeaters.

The fire received widespread rain with heavier amounts in some areas. However, rain may not have penetrated denser tree canopies.

#DerbyFire#FireYear2025

The photo below was taken late afternoon on Saturday, August 23, where the southeast edge of the fire grew. Look closely to see a helicopter dropping water along the fire edge. Photo by NIki Carpenter/Derby Fire.

8-24-25 Derby Fire evening update
Derby Fire: Successful burnout on southern side of fire

BLM: A portion of BLM lands reopened outside Lee Fire perimeter

comms

BLM Colorado Fire

The Bureau of Land Management is reopening a portion of public lands in Rio Blanco County, while keeping other identified lands closed due to recent activity on the Lee Fire.

This closure order opens the public lands previously closed outside of the Lee Fire perimeter bounded by Rio Blanco County Road (RBC) 5, RBC 26, RBC 29, and RBC 87, north of the Rio Blanco and Garfield County line, west of Highway 13 and south of Highway 64.

View the closure order and other fire information: https://ow.ly/78uF50WGjNW

Notice of public closure and map

BLM Colorado Fire @blmcoloradofire

Elk and Lee Fire Information
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado

BLM: A portion of BLM lands reopened outside Lee Fire perimeter

Lee Fire: Northern Rockies Incident Management Team thanks Meeker and Rifle communities

comms

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1

The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 extends its sincere gratitude to the communities of Meeker and Rifle for their support throughout our tenure in the area.

On Monday, August 25, we will officially transfer command of the Lee Fire to the FDNY Incident Management Team. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served you.

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
Bureau of Land Management Fire
BLM Colorado Fire
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado

Lee Fire: Northern Rockies Incident Management Team thanks Meeker and Rifle communities

Derby Fire: Weather update 8-24-25

comms

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

Incident meteorologist, Ryan Fliehman, discusses the environmental conditions that have driven recent fire growth, as well as the weather outlook for the next few days. Thunderstorms forming to the north and west of the fire have created gusty, persistent, outflow winds that flow over the face of the fire and push it downslope into the canyons. In the evening and nighttime hours, diurnal winds that occur as cool air sinks have also pushed the fire. We are expecting storms this afternoon, which will increase wind activity in the canyons, but will increase the chance of rainfall today. More meaningful precipitation levels are expected into this week.

Derby Fire: Weather update 8-24-25

NWS: Flash flood warning for Lee Fire burn area

comms

National Weather Service

BULLETIN – EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
1217 PM MDT Sun Aug 24 2025

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a

  • Flash Flood Warning for…
    Central Rio Blanco County in northwestern Colorado…
    Central Garfield County in west central Colorado…
  • Until 215 PM MDT.
  • At 1217 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
    heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
    expected to begin shortly. Emergency personnel have reported
    debris flows across County Road 5.

Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.

HAZARD…Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.

SOURCE…Radar and emergency personnel.

IMPACT…Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. A debris flow has been reported across County Road 5.

  • Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…Rio Blanco.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks…streams…and ditches in the Burn Scar. Severe debris flows can also be anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in places. If you encounter flood waters…climb to safety.

FLASH FLOOD…RADAR INDICATED FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT…CONSIDERABLE

NWS: Flash flood warning for Lee Fire burn area

Derby Fire: Contingency lines in place for fire

comms

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

#DerbyFire

Ops update Friday afternoon, Aug. 24, 2025

The Derby Fire grew in the late afternoon into the night on Saturday, August 23, on the southeast flank of the fire, as winds pushed the fire southeast. Secondary contingency lines are in place. Firefighters will be assessing the fire edge in that area and looking for opportunities to engage with handcrews, dozers, and aerial retardant drops. Thunderstorms moving through the area this afternoon could inhibit operations.

Firefighters are working on structure protection along Red Dirt Creek Road. Hotshots and handcrews are working to construct handline on the eastern side of the fire.

Firefighters have prepped more than 500 structures in the Sweetwater drainage corridor, with work continuing today. Hotshot crews have constructed direct fireline to the Hack Creek drainage on the southwest flank. They will continue to work along the southwest to west flank of the fire and will work north as terrain and weather conditions allow. On the southern side of the fire, burnout operations on Saturday August 23 were successful in removing unburned fuel from between the fire edge and the constructed fireline. If the weather allows, burnout operations will continue on that south edge. Burnout operations reduce the potential for fire spotting into unburned areas, and reduce the intensity of the fire along the fireline.

Derby Fire: Contingency lines in place for fire

CDPHE: Air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke

comms

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Avisos en Español para todo el Estado (Colorado)

Issued for western Eagle and eastern Garfield Counties
Issued at 6:42 AM MDT, Sunday, August 24, 2025

Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Affected Area: Western Eagle and eastern Garfield Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Sweetwater Lake and Dotsero.

Advisory in Effect: 9:00 AM MDT, Sunday, August 24, 2025 to 9:00 AM MDT, Monday, August 25, 2025

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Outlook: Smoke from the Derby Fire is impacting parts of central Colorado. The heaviest smoke is expected in areas near the fire and in low-lying areas during the overnight and early morning hours, including Sweetwater Lake and Colorado River Road between Dotsero and Burns.

For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

For the latest Smoke Blog, visit: https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/

For more information about smoke and your health, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/outdoor-burning/wildfire-smoke-and-health

CDPHE: Air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke