Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3
Derby Fire Weather update 8-25-2025.
Incident Meterologist, Ryan Fleihman, discusses yesterday’s weather patterns, expected conditions this morning, and over the next few days. The fire footprint received gradual afternoon rain, ranging between 1/10 inch to 1/2 inch. A cluster of storms to the west of the fire will bring light rain and lightning this morning, followed by gradual clearing of clouds, with more rain predicted in the afternoon and evening. Showers could continue overnight. Largest concern today is the potential for localized flash flooding and debris flows, especially in burn scars. Please tune in to the Grand Junction National Weather Service station for flash flood warnings.
Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3
#DerbyFire Ops Update Monday morning, Aug. 25, 2025
Operations Section Chief, Philip Knaub, discusses firefighting tactics on the Derby Fire. With the wet weather yesterday, we do not expect to see growth in fire acreage from Sunday afternoon August 24 moving into Monday morning August 25, 2025. The weather did not allow for an overnight infrared flight, which maps the fire’s perimeter and informs changes in fire acreage. However, prior to the rain, firefighters were able to continue to work on the west, southwest, south, southeast and eastern edges of the fire. Hotshot crews continue to build direct line on the west/southwest fire edge near the Hack Creek drainage. Firefighters will be assessing opportunites to build direct line along the fire edge east of where burnout operations were conducted earlier this week near the Horse Creek drainage. Where the previous fire growth has been on the southeastern side of the fire, firefighters progressed in constructing handline and dozer line along the fire edge, supported by aerial retardant drops. Fire behavior on the east side of the fire was moderate and crews will continue to build indirect fireline, assessing opportunities to go direct.
Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3
#DerbyFire Ops Update Friday afternoon, Aug. 22, 2025
Firefighters supported by air tankers dropping retardant and helicopters with water dropping buckets are focusing on the southwest and southern portions of the fire. Tactical fireing operations are removing burnable vegetation between constructed control lines and the fire’s edge. This work is being done to slow the fire’s progress and will continue into the night shift if the weather, fuel and fire conditions allow.
Colorado River Road closure for the Derby Fire has been extended south, starting from the north side of the Dotsero roundabout to Red Dirt Rd. This closure is for all non-residents and non-emergency traffic.
While we understand the impact of road closures, safeguarding and the life safety of people is always our highest priority. This precaution allows emergency crews to focus fully on protecting residents and responders in the area.
Out of respect for your safety and the safety of our dedicated first responders, we ask that you avoid the area unless you’re part of the emergency response team. Every moment and movement matters right now.
***EN ESPAÑOL***
El cierre de la carretera Colorado River por el incendio Derby se ha ampliado hacia el sur, desde el lado norte de la glorieta de Dotsero hasta la calle Red Dirt. Este cierre está para todos los que no son residentes y el tráfico que no sea de emergencia.
Aunque entendemos el impacto que tienen los cierres de carreteras, nuestra prioridad siempre es proteger la vida de las personas. Esta precaución permite que los equipos de emergencia se concentren en proteger a los residentes y a los socorristas de la zona.
Por respeto a su seguridad y a la de nuestros dedicados equipos de emergencia, le pedimos que evite la zona a menos que forme parte del equipo de emergencia. En estos momentos, cada momento y cada movimiento cuentan.
BLM Colorado, Upper Colorado District, Colorado River Valley Field Office Media Contact: Heather Marsh, hmarsh@blm.gov, 970-852-9272 Aug. 22, 2025
BLM Colorado rescinds public land closure order for Lee Fire
SILT, Colo. — Today, the Bureau of Land Management rescinded the land closure order for BLM-managed public lands in Garfield County because of the Lee Fire. The rescission is effective immediately because fire and emergency managers have determined the area is safe.
BLM issued the emergency closure Aug. 11 to ensure public and firefighter safety during suppression and contingency efforts. Activity related to the Lee Fire will continue until the fire is controlled. BLM urges the public to use caution in the area.
The public land closure for the Derby Fire, in Garfield and Eagle Counties, is still in effect. Additionally, the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest White River National Forest remain under stage 2 fire restrictions. Information about fire restrictions is available on the BLM Upper Colorado River District Fire Restrictions webpage.
We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and resource integrity during this critical time. For more information, please call the Colorado River Valley Field Office front desk at 970-876-9000. -BLM-
Location: 13 miles north of Dotsero, CO Start Date: 8/16/2025; Cause: Lightning Size: Est. 3569 acres Completion/Containment: 0% 211 total personnel
PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT – 630pm Gypsum Town Hall, 50 Lundgren Blvd.
Key Message:
Aircraft dropped water and fire retardant along the Derby Fire’s western flank. Firefighters built dozer lines along the fire’s southern perimeter, then worked overnight to secure it. Structure protection on over 200 structures has been completed.
Current Status:
The fire is expanding slowly because it is mostly driven by fuels and not wind. Fire managers are being vigilant in their preparations for thunderstorm outflow winds that could push fire south into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. Fire managers have already worked to complete structure protection for over 200 structures along Sweetwater Rd. to Red Dirt Creek by positioning sprinkler kits and removing surrounding fuels. Yesterday firefighters established dozer lines along the fire’s southern perimeter, then worked to secure it overnight. Aircraft supported ground crews by dropping water and fire retardant along the fire’s west flank to slow its expansion toward Sweetwater Rd., buying time for firefighters to secure and connect containment lines.
Weather and Fire Behavior:
The trend of hot and dry weather continues to make subalpine fuels very receptive to fire spread. However, the weekend is likely to bring cooler temperatures and increased chances of monsoonal precipitation. Daytime smoke and nighttime glows from the fire may be visible.
Closures and Special Messages:
Eagle County has issued an evacuation notice for residents of Sweetwater Rd. and areas of the Colorado River Rd. from Sweetwater to Red Dirt Creek. Derby Mesa Loop remains in pre-evacuation status. More evacuation information is available at www.ecemergency.org, including where to shelter and resources for pets and livestock.
The Forest Service and BLM have both issued public closure orders in the vicinity of the fire to protect public and firefighter safety. The White River National Forest’s closure order and map are posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver. The BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office’s closure order and map are posted at https://www.blm.gov/…/blm-issues-land-closure-garfield….
Ubicación: 13 millas al norte de Dotsero, CO Fecha de inicio: 16/8/2025; Causa: Rayo Tamaño: Est. 3569 acres Finalización/Contención: 0% 211 efectivos en total
REUNIÓN PÚBLICA ESTA NOCHE – 6:30 pm Ayuntamiento de Gypsum, 50 Lundgren Blvd.
Mensaje clave:
Aviones lanzaron agua y retardante de fuego a lo largo del flanco oeste del incendio Derby. Los bomberos construyeron líneas de excavadoras a lo largo del perímetro sur del incendio y trabajaron durante la noche para asegurarlo. Se completó la protección de más de 200 estructuras.
Estado actual:
El incendio se está expandiendo lentamente debido a que es impulsado principalmente por combustibles y no por el viento. Los bomberos se mantienen alertas en sus preparativos ante los vientos de salida de tormenta que podrían empujar el fuego hacia el sur, hacia la cuenca del arroyo Sweetwater. Los bomberos ya han completado la protección de más de 200 estructuras a lo largo de Sweetwater Rd. hasta Red Dirt Creek, instalando equipos de rociadores y retirando los combustibles circundantes. Ayer, los bomberos establecieron líneas de excavadoras a lo largo del perímetro sur del incendio y trabajaron para asegurarlo durante la noche. Aeronaves apoyaron a los equipos de tierra lanzando agua y retardante de fuego a lo largo del flanco oeste del incendio para frenar su expansión hacia Sweetwater Rd., lo que les dio tiempo a los bomberos para asegurar y conectar las líneas de contención.
El clima y el comportamiento del fuego:
La tendencia al clima cálido y seco continúa haciendo que los combustibles subalpinos sean muy susceptibles a la propagación del fuego. Sin embargo, es probable que el fin de semana traiga temperaturas más bajas y mayores probabilidades de precipitaciones monzónicas. Es posible que se observe humo diurno y resplandores nocturnos del incendio.
Cierres y mensajes especiales:
El Condado de Eagle ha emitido un aviso de evacuación para los residentes de Sweetwater Rd. y áreas de Colorado River Rd. desde Sweetwater hasta Red Dirt Creek. Derby Mesa Loop permanece en estado de preevacuación. Puede encontrar más información sobre la evacuación en www.ecemergency.org , incluyendo dónde refugiarse y recursos para mascotas y ganado.
El Servicio Forestal y la Oficina de Administración de Tierras (BLM) han emitido órdenes de cierre público en las inmediaciones del incendio para proteger la seguridad del público y de los bomberos. La orden de cierre y el mapa del Bosque Nacional del Río Blanco están publicados en https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver . La orden de cierre y el mapa de la Oficina de Campo del Valle del Río Colorado de la BLM están publicados en https://www.blm.gov/…/blm-issues-land-closure-garfield… .
Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management – Team 3
Total acreage: 3,569 acres with 0% containment 211 personnel/resources assigned Resources continue to arrive to the fire and will be beginning assignments today!
Superficie total: 3,569 acres con 0% de contención 211 personas/recursos asignados ¡ Los recursos continúan llegando al incendio y comenzarán sus asignaciones hoy!
