Derby Fire: Community meeting tonight, Monday, August 25, 2025

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

Please join us for a community meeting tonight, Monday, August 25, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Gypsum Town Hall, 50 Lundgren Blvd., Gypsum, CO 81637.

The community meeting will be live-streamed on the Derby Fire Colorado Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/DerbyFire. A Spanish dubbed version will be live-streamed on the Derby Fire Incident YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@DerbyFireInformation
The Derby Incident Operations Section Chief and Incident Commander, as well as the Eagle County Sheriff, will provide an update on the current situation and operational strategies. Officials will be available for questions after the update.

For more information on the Derby Fire, please visit:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/cowrf-derby-fire

Email: 2025.Derby@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line: 970-355-3283

White River National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverNF
Eagle County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/EagleCountySO
Garfield County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/GarcoSheriff

The image below captures a flyer advertising the Derby Incident Community Meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025. This information is described in the post above.

Derby fire community meeting flyer 8-25-25

Derby Fire official information:

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

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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

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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

Derby Fire: Community meeting tonight, Monday, August 25, 2025

Lee Fire: Daily update August 25

FDNY Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Mike Burke

Location: 11 miles south of Meeker, Colorado
Start Date: 08/02/2025
Cause: Lightning Size: Lee Fire: 137,758 acres
Containment: Lee Fire: 90%
266 Total Personnel; 1 Helicopter; 9 Engines; 3 Hand Crews; 2 Water Tenders; 2 Dozers

KEY MESSAGE

Today at 0600, the FDNY Incident Management Team assumed command of the Lee fire. We extend our appreciation to the Northern Rockies IMT for their dedicated efforts and smooth transition. On the southwest flank, crews will continue patrolling and working to secure the fire’s perimeter. Suppression repair and debris removal will be ongoing across all divisions, conducted in coordination with resource advisors.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday, fire activity remained minimal, with only isolated creeping and smoldering observed within the perimeter. Crews concentrated on securing constructed line, conducting patrol and mop-up along existing containment, and advancing suppression repair in coordination with Resource Advisors. Continued rainfall is expected to elevate the risk of flash flooding and debris flows within burned and surrounding areas.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop again today, with skies clearing during the late morning before storms build in the afternoon. Daytime heating will drive thunderstorm development, with cumulus buildups after 11:00 signaling activity. A wet pattern will continue through the week, with a 90–100% chance of daily rainfall through Thursday. Storms may bring periods of heavy rain, frequent lightning, gusty outflow winds, and small hail.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

For accurate up-to-date information on evacuations and road closures for Rio Blanco County go to the
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
at: https://www.facebook.com/RioBlancoCountySheriffsOffice. For Garfield County updates go
to: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. USFS White River National Forest and BLM closure rescission information is available at: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/cowrd-lee-fire

Lee Fire: Daily update August 25

Derby Fire: Weather update video

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.

Derby Fire official information:

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

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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

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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

Derby Fire: Weather update video

Derby Fire: Operations update video, Monday morning August 25, 2025

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.

Derby Fire official information:

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

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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

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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

Derby Fire: Operations update video, Monday morning August 25, 2025

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

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

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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

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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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INFORMACIÓN DEL CONDADO DE EAGLE
INCENDIO DE DERBY: MAPA DE EVACUACIÓN 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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INFORMACIÓN DEL CONDADO DE GARFIELD
DERBY FIRE: MAPA DE EVACUACIÓN 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

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

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

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

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