September 22, 2026, 12:15 p.m. – Garfield County, CO, The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management – Upper Colorado River District, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County lift Stage 1 Fire Restrictions throughout Garfield County effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The White River National Forest will be lifting their restrictions on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The recent rainfall in our area along with cooler weather has allowed Stage I Restrictions to be lifted in Garfield County at all elevations. Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria including the moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human “risk” factors and firefighting resource availability.
Please exercise due diligence, be careful if you are building a campfire or partaking of any activity in an undeveloped area that might create sparks. There are still a lot fuels and dry vegetation in Garfield County where a fire could ignite and quickly spread.
Common sense and caution are the rule of the day. Enjoy our great outdoors here in western Colorado but do so carefully. Starting a wildfire would not only ruin your day but could cost someone a life, the loss of a home or other personal property. Undoubtedly, there would be legal consequences if you were to start a fire.
September 15, 2026, 9:35 a.m. – Westbound Interstate 70 at Dotsero (Exit 133) will experience intermittent closures starting at 9:30 a.m. this morning (9/15/26) This is for emergency maintenance on essential doors at the Hanging Lake Tunnel Complex in Glenwood Canyon.
For the most up to date information, visit COtrip Planner App and COtrip.org.
Garfield County shares this information to provide a more detailed summary for public awareness to honor the commitment and dedication in respect of the five firefighters impacted by the Knowles Fire.
Knowles Fire Memorial Donation Information
Supporting and Honoring the Families and Firefighters Impacted by the Knowles Fire
Many individuals, organizations, and communities have asked how they can show their support. The following donation channels have been chosen by the families.
Individual and Family Support Opportunities
In Memory of Sydney Watson
Donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation This foundation provides support to injured wildland firefighters and the families of firefighters who died in the line-of-duty through immediate and long-term assistance, including travel, emergency financial support, and family services.
Support For The Five Affected Firefighters and Families
Donate to the Snyder Fire Family Assistance Fund (Alpine Bank) Alpine Bank has established the Snyder Fire Firefighter Families Benefit Account to support the families of the five firefighters impacted by the Snyder Fire. The fund provides direct financial assistance to the families of the three firefighters who lost their lives and the two firefighters who were injured. Alpine Bank has contributed an initial $25,000, and community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to join in supporting these families during this incredibly difficult time. All donated funds will go directly to the affected families.
Thank you for standing with these firefighters, their families, and the entire wildland fire community during this difficult time.
Community Q&A with city police and fire departments on Wednesday, June 10
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (June 3, 2026) – The City of Glenwood Springs is excited to announce its upcoming State of Public Safety event, taking place Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing, then event presentations begin at 6 p.m. followed by the question-and-answer sessions.
The event is free and open to all community members, and RSVPs (gwsco.info/sops26) are strongly encouraged to ensure enough food for everyone. Spanish interpretation and childcare will be provided.
The evening sessions will begin at 6 p.m. with brief remarks by Chief of Public Safety Joseph Deras, followed by rotating, interactive Q&A sessions with police and fire department leaders. Residents will take turns asking questions and sharing feedback on topics including:
Emergency Preparedness
Fire Mitigation
Home Hardening
Evacuation Plans
Enforcement
Speed Cameras
Flock Cameras
Homelessness
Public Safety Funding
For anyone who might feel shy about expressing questions or comments in front of a group, there will also be lots of opportunities for written feedback. Questions and comments may also be submitted in advance at gwsco.info/sops26.
La ciudad de Glenwood Springs celebrará una sesion sobre el estado de la Seguridad Pública
Sesión comunitaria de preguntas y respuestas con los departamentos de policía y bomberos de la ciudad, el miércoles 10 de junio.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado (3 de junio de 2026) – La ciudad de Glenwood Springs se complace en anunciar su evento sobre el estado de la seguridad pública, que tendrá lugar el miércoles 10 de junio de 2026, de 5:30 a 8 p.m., en el Centro Comunitario.
El evento comenzará a las 5:30 p. m. con bocadillos y una oportunidad para convivir. Las presentaciones comenzarán a las 6 p. m., seguidas de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas.
El evento es gratuito y todos los miembros de la comunidad están invitados. Se recomienda confirmar su asistencia para garantizar que haya suficiente comida para todos. Habrá servicio de interpretación en español y cuidado infantil.
Las sesiones de la tarde comenzarán a las 6 p.m. con unas breves palabras del jefe de Seguridad Pública, Joseph Deras, seguidas de sesiones interactivas rotativas de preguntas y respuestas con líderes de los departamentos de policía y bomberos. Los residentes tendrán la oportunidad de hacer preguntas y compartir sus opiniones sobre temas como:
Preparación para emergencias
Mitigación de incendios
Protección de viviendas
Planes de evacuación
Cumplimiento de la ley
Cámaras de velocidad
Cámaras Flock
Personas sin hogar
Financiamiento para la seguridad pública
Para quienes se sientan tímidos al expresar sus preguntas o comentarios frente a un grupo, también habrá muchas oportunidades para enviar comentarios por escrito. Las preguntas y comentarios también podrán enviarse con anticipación en gwsco.info/sops26.
Above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain in the forecast
GCSO PRESS RELEASE June 9, 2026
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 1 a.m., Wednesday June 10, 2026. This applies to all of Garfield County.
This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.
Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors, recent fire behavior witnessed over the past week and firefighting resource availability. It has been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain anytime soon.
With increasingly dry vegetation, severe drought conditions, and more hot and dry conditions approaching, the danger for human caused wildfires increases even more.
What Stage I Fire Restrictions mean in Garfield County
Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
All burn permits are postponed/Canceled until further notice.
Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in Developed Areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit) A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
No fires of any type including charcoal in undeveloped areas.
No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding” targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
Exercise common sense and industry safety practice when welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame always cleared safe area of vegetation and combustibles.
Penalties Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.
Federal lands The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.
By definition: A “developed area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.
An “undeveloped area” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.
To All City and Rural-Area Glenwood Springs Residents and Visitors,
We are all aware of the lack of significant snow and rainfall, along with unseasonably elevated temperatures, and recognize the risk of wildfire is at an all-time high this year. Your Glenwood Springs firefighters are prepared and ready to respond quickly to any reports of smoke or fire. We are asking for your help to prevent and reduce the possibility of any sources of ignition.
Please take note of the following:
All Open Burn Permits have been canceled. Glenwood Springs Fire Department (GSFD) will not issue new permits until this winter.
Pay close attention to Red FlagDays in addition to Staged Fire Restriction measures. Follow all local rules and laws- these may vary if you travel and inform any guests visiting you.
Fires are preventable. Take an extra minute to check your trailer chains are not dragging, keep your smoking materials inside, and consider doing yard work early in the morning. Any activity that produces a spark or flame needs to be closely monitored. Save s’mores for winter nights!
Sign up now for Emergency Alerts, city news, and view evacuation plans at www.GlenwoodFire.com
Wildfire moves fast. Ready, Set, Go! Be at the ready for evacuation notices and have a plan for your family and pets. Live Wildfire Ready by preparing your homes and creating defensible space.
Our community continues to build wildfire resiliency through homegrown efforts. We are fortunate to work alongside many agencies and organizations that help us with our mission. There are also new building codes and standards that are being adopted locally and State-wide this month that will ensure long-term success.
For any questions or concerns, please contact our main office at 970-384-6480.
Thank you and be safe, Robin Pitt Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Division
101 W. 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 970-384-6480 | FAX 970-945-8506 SERVICE THROUGH DEDICATION, PROFESSIONALISM AND EXCELLENCE
Due to dry vegetation conditions, many out of control burns, and lack of moisture in the ground. We at CRFR are Requesting all burns to be completed by 1:00 p.m. every day. As always, open burning is not allowed during Red Flag Warnings or wind conditions over 5 mph.
Please help us monitor this situation and maintain safety for all our citizens and their property.
We will continue to monitor the fuels and weather to determine the future of burn permits and open burning.
For additional information, please contact our main office at 970-625-1243.
Type 3 Incident Management Team Patrick Kieran, Incident Commander
The Derby fire is now 70% contained, but despite the fire activity lessening, it is still important to remember that this is an active fire. There is still a significant amount of firefighter traffic and work occurring, and the closures remain in place for the safety of both firefighters and the public.
Information: Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (970) 827-5715 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Colorado River Valley Office (970) 876-9000 (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Start Date: 08/16/25 Location: 13 miles north of Dotsero, Colo. Cause: Lightning Size: 5,453 acres Containment: 65% Personnel: 206
Current Situation
The containment of the Derby fire has increased to 65 percent. Fire managers are not expecting further fire growth, and this is the last daily update unless the situation changes. Information will continue to be posted to the Derby Fire Colorado Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/DerbyFire/, and Inciweb, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/cowrf-derby-fire
The type 3 incident management organization will continue strengthening control lines as well as ongoing suppression repair work over the next several days. Fire managers will continue to downsize and remove equipment as needed.
We thank the local communities for their support during this firefighting effort.
Weather and Fire Behavior – Rain showers may occur, bringing along isolated thunderstorms. In the afternoon, gusty and erratic winds can be expected near isolated thunderstorms with potential for gusty outflow winds.
Evacuations and Closures
Fire restrictions and closures remain in place for Bureau of Land Management areas, https://www.blm.gov/ucr-fire-restrictions, and the White River National Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts/ . BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office, White River National Forest, and Garfield and Eagle counties are under stage 1 fire restrictions.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Derby Fire. All unauthorized aircraft (including drones) are prohibited from flying near the fire, as they can interfere with authorized air support operations. For more information, visit https://tfr.faa.gov.
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Actualización final para el Incendio Derby 8 de septiembre de 2025
Equipo de gestión de incidentes tipo 3 Patrick Kieran, Comandante de Incidentes
Información: Distrito de Guardabosques de Eagle-Holy Cross (970) 827-5715 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Oficina del Valle del Río Colorado (970) 876-9000 (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Fecha de inicio: 16/08/25 Ubicación: 13 millas al norte de Dotsero, Colorado. Causa: Relámpago Tamaño: 5,453 acres Contención: 65% Personal: 206
Situación actual:
la contención del incendio de Derby ha aumentado al 65 por ciento. Los administradores de incendios no esperan un mayor crecimiento del fuego, y esta es la última actualización diaria a menos que la situación cambie. La información continuará publicándose en la página de Facebook de Derby Fire Colorado, https://www.facebook.com/DerbyFire/ y Inciweb, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/cowrf-derby-fire
La organización de gestión de incidentes tipo 3 continuará fortaleciendo las líneas de control, así como el trabajo de reparación de supresión en curso durante los próximos días. Los administradores de incendios continuarán reduciendo el tamaño y retirando el equipo según sea necesario.
Agradecemos a las comunidades locales por su apoyo durante este esfuerzo de extinción de incendios.
Clima y comportamiento del fuego: pueden ocurrir lluvias, trayendo consigo tormentas eléctricas aisladas. Por la tarde, se pueden esperar vientos racheados y erráticos cerca de tormentas eléctricas aisladas con potencial de vientos racheados.
Evacuaciones y cierres:
las restricciones y cierres de incendios permanecen vigentes para las áreas de la Oficina de Administración de Tierras, https://www.blm.gov/ucr-fire-restrictions y el https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts/ del Bosque Nacional White River. La Oficina de Campo de BLM Colorado River Valley, el Bosque Nacional White River y los condados de Garfield y Eagle están bajo restricciones de incendios de etapa 1.
Existe una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) sobre el incendio de Derby. Todas las aeronaves no autorizadas (incluidos los drones) tienen prohibido volar cerca del incendio, ya que pueden interferir con las operaciones de apoyo aéreo autorizadas. Para obtener más información, visite https://tfr.faa.gov.
