Forest Service News Release

Aircraft incident on Derby Fire

Aug. 22, 2025 – An aircraft incident involving a helicopter assigned to the Derby Fire occurred today at 4:10 p.m.

There is an unconfirmed report that the aircraft is in a lake 13 miles northwest of the Eagle County Regional Airport. The pilot was picked up by another incident aircraft and flown to Eagle County Regional Airport. Local emergency medical personnel checked the pilot, who had minor bumps and bruises and desired no further medical attention.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified; it is unknown whether they will respond to the incident. A USDA Forest Service investigation team is enroute.

No further information will be released at this time.