Derby Fire: August 27, 2025 Derby Fire Update

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

Derby Fire update document
Derby Fire update document – Spanish
Derby Fire smoke outlook
Derby Fire Map August 27, 2025

White River National Forest
Fire Information 970-355-3283; 2025.Derby@firenet.gov; Derby Fire Colorado
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/cowrf-derby-fire

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3, Incident Commander Mike Behrens

Location: 13 miles north of Dotsero, CO
Start Date: 8/16/2025;
Cause: Lightning
Size: Est. 5,723 acres
Completion/Containment: 4%
864 total personnel

KEY MESSAGE:

The Colorado River, Sweetwater, and Red Dirt Creek roads have all been reopened. The Garfield and Eagle County Sheriff’s Offices have changed the evacuation status for Sweetwater Valley and Sheep Creek and Red Dirt Creek areas to pre-evacuation (READY) status. The Forest Service and BLM have both reduced the size of their closure areas. Firefighters have built almost 11 miles of control lines, and the Derby Fire has been declared 4% contained.

CURRENT STATUS:

Showers have temporarily moderated fire activity this week, but incident managers predict wildfire activity will increase again when the weather warms and fuels dry out. Firefighters have constructed almost 11 miles of handlines and dozerlines along the east, south, and west fire perimeters. The Derby Fire has been declared 4% contained. The term “containment†is used when fire managers are confident that wind and weather conditions will not push the fire past completed control lines. Crews will work to strengthen and widen fire lines as weather and conditions allow. Air support is scouting for potential helispot sites, and structure protection crews are continuing to improve fire defenses around more than 500 structures along Sweetwater Road and Red Dirt Creek Road.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Incident meteorologists predict that showers will continue Wednesday and probably through the rest of this week before warmer weather returns early next week. Daytime smoke and nighttime fire glows may be visible at times when fuels dry out and fire activity increases.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES:

The Colorado River, Sweetwater, and Red Dirt Creek Roads have all been reopened, and the Garfield County and Eagle County Sheriff’s Offices have changed the evacuation status for Sweetwater Valley, Sheep Creek and Red Dirt Creek areas to pre-evacuation (READY) status. More evacuation information is available at https://arcg.is/S0u4G and www.ecemergency.org.

The Forest Service and BLM have both reduced the size of their closure areas. The White River National Forest’s closure order and map are posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/reduced-derby-fire-closure. The BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office’s closure order and map are posted at https://www.blm.gov/…/blm-reduces-size-land-closure…. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Derby Fire.

Please see a photo of the Smoke Outlook for the Derby Fire in NW Colorado. Detailed forecasts for specific locations are available here: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4d276598?

Derby fire map August 27, 2025

Incendio Derby 2025

Bosque Nacional White River
Información de incendios 970-355-3283; 2025.Derby@firenet.gov; www.facebook.com/derbyfire
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/cowrf-derby-fire

26 de agosto de 2025

Equipo 3 de Gestión de Incidentes Complejos de las Montañas Rocosas del Norte,
Comandante de Incidente Mike Behrens

Ubicación: 13 millas al oeste de Dotsero, CO
Fecha de inicio: 08/16/2025;
Causa: Rayos
Tamaño: Est. 5723 acres
Finalización/Contención: 4%
864 Personal total

MENSAJE CLAVE:

Se han reabierto los caminos Colorado River Road, Sweetwater Road y Red Dirt Creek Road. Las Oficinas del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield y del Condado de Eagle han cambiado el estado de evacuación de las áreas de Sweetwater Valley, Sheep Creek y Red Dirt Creek a pre-evacuación (LISTOS). El Servicio Forestal y la Oficina de Administración de Tierras (BLM por sus siglas en inglés) han reducido el tamaño de sus zonas de cierre. Los bomberos han construido casi 11 millas de líneas de control, y el incendio Derby ha sido declarado contenido en un 4%.

ESTADO ACTUAL:

Las lluvias han moderado temporalmente la actividad del incendio esta semana, pero los administradores del incidente predicen que la actividad del incendio aumentará de nuevo cuando el clima mejore y los combustibles se sequen. Los bomberos han construido casi 11 millas de líneas de mano y líneas de excavadora a lo largo de los perímetros este, sur y oeste del incendio. El incendio Derby ha sido declarado contenido en un 4%. El término “contención” se utiliza cuando los administradores del incendio confían en que las condiciones del viento y el clima no extenderán el incendio más allá de las líneas de control ya establecidas. Los equipos trabajarán para reforzar y ampliar las líneas de control según lo permitan el clima y las condiciones. El apoyo aéreo está explorando posibles ubicaciones para helipuertos, y los equipos de protección de estructuras continúan mejorando las defensas contra incendios en torno a más de 500 estructuras a lo largo de Sweetwater Road y Red Dirt Creek Road.

COMPORTAMIENTO DEL CLIMA Y EL FUEGO

Los meteorólogos del incidente pronostican que las lluvias continuarán el miércoles y probablemente durante el resto de la semana, antes de que el clima sea más cálido a principios de la próxima semana. Es posible que se observen humo diurno y resplandores de fuego nocturno cuando los combustibles se sequen y aumente la actividad del incendio.

CIERRES Y MENSAJES ESPECIALES

Se han reabierto los caminios Colorado River Road, Sweetwater Road y Red Dirt Creek. Los condados Eagle y Garfield han cambiado el estado de evacuación para los residentes de Sweetwater Valley, Sheep Creek, y Red Dirt Creek a “LISTOSâ€, la etapa 1 del proceso de evacuaciones que significa que “esté preparadosâ€. Para más información, incluido dónde refugiarse y recursos para mascotas y ganado, visite https://arcg.is/S0u4G o https://sites.google.com/eaglec…/ecemergencyespanol/inicio.

El Servicio Forestal y el BLM han reducido el tamaño de sus áreas de cierre. La orden de cierre y el mapa del Bosque Nacional White River 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 BLM se publican en https://www.blm.gov/…/blm-issues-land-closure-garfield…. Existe una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR por sus siglas en inglés) sobre el incendio de Derby.


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

________________

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: August 27, 2025 Derby Fire Update

Derby Fire: Operations morning update video

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

#DerbyFire Ops Update Monday morning, Aug. 27, 2025. Philip Knaub, Operations Sections Chief, discusses firefighting tactics on the Derby Fire. The Derby Fire is now 4% contained. Firefighters were able to access the southeast fire perimeter yesterday and are confident that any changes in weather conditions will not push the fire over the control line in this area. Look for a black line on the fire map to illustrate containment. Rain reached most areas of the fire yesterday, however, dead and down trees continue to hold heat. Large fuels are slow to accept moisture and will continue to smolder. As the weather dries out later this week, we expect to see more active fire behavior. On the east and west sides of the fire perimeter, firefighters are scouting for opportunities to continue to build line with handcrews and heavy equipment.

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

________________

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 morning update video

Derby Fire: Weather update video

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

Derby Fire Weather update 8-27-2025

Incident Meteorologist, Ryan Fliehman, discusses the upcoming weather forecast. Light rain is expected throughout the morning today, with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. This wet pattern will continue through Thursday, with a slow drying trend beginning on Friday, extending through the weekend.

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

Derby Fire: Weather update video

Derby Fire: White River National Forest reduces closure

White River National Forest

Derby Fire news release – English
Derby Fire news release – Spanish
Derby Fire area closure

Beginning today, the White River National Forest will reduce the public closure in the vicinity of the Derby Fire Colorado following several days of rain.

While the recent rainfall has reduced fire activity and provided much-needed assistance with fire suppression efforts, emergency managers are now closely monitoring for potential flooding and flash flooding in the burn area and surrounding communities. Forest visitors should stay aware of changing conditions, follow guidance from local authorities, and use caution when traveling through the area.

The new Forest Order reduces the Forest Closure to the area northeast of Sweetwater Lake continuing along the Derby Mesa Rim. A map and detailed description of the closure, including affected roads and trails, are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.

8-27-25 White River National Forest map

The latest information about the Derby Fire is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/cowrf-derby-fire and https://www.facebook.com/DerbyFire.

Currently the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, meaning no campfires are allowed anywhere in the District, among other restrictions. Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and evaluate fire restrictions with local partners. For more information about fire restrictions on the White River National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.  

Comunicado de prensa del Servicio Forestal

Contacto: Iris Salamanca, Oficial de Asuntos Públicos

iris.salamanca@usda.gov 

El Bosque Nacional White River reduce el cierre del incendio Derby

Cierre en su lugar para proteger a los bomberos y la seguridad pública

EAGLE, Colo. (26 de agosto de 2025) – El Bosque Nacional White River reducirá el cierre público en las cercanías del incendio Derby luego de varios días de lluvia a partir de mañana.

Mientras que las lluvias recientes han reducido la actividad de los incendios y han brindado una asistencia muy necesaria con los esfuerzos de extinción de incendios, los administradores de emergencias ahora están monitoreando de cerca posibles inundaciones e inundaciones repentinas en el área quemada y las comunidades circundantes. Los visitantes del bosque deben estar al tanto de las condiciones cambiantes, seguir las instrucciones de las autoridades locales y tener cuidado al viajar por el área.

La nueva Orden Forestal reduce el Cierre del Bosque al área noreste del Lago Sweetwater que continúa a lo largo del Derby Mesa Rim. Un mapa y una descripción detallada del cierre, incluidas las carreteras y senderos afectados, están disponibles en https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.  

La información más reciente sobre el incendio de Derby está disponible en https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrf-derby-fire y https://www.facebook.com/DerbyFire.

Actualmente, el Distrito de Guardabosques de Eagle-Holy Cross permanece bajo restricciones de incendios de Etapa 2, lo que significa que no se permiten fogatas en ningún lugar del Distrito, entre otras restricciones. Los administradores de incendios continuarán monitoreando las condiciones y evaluando las restricciones de incendios con socios locales. Para obtener más información sobre las restricciones de incendios en el Bosque Nacional White River, visite https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.  

Derby Fire: White River National Forest reduces closure

Derby Fire: Facts – August 27

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

Derby Fire Quick Facts: August 27, 2025
Total acreage: 5,723 acres
2% contained
864 personnel

While not all Hotshot buggies are painted @U.S. Forest Service green, their shape and size is very recognizable! Hotshot crews are highly trained and specialized handcrews, often given the most physically demanding work on a large wildfire. Their transport vehicles are their “home away from home” on an incident and have just enough space for ten crew members and their gear.


Photo: The Bear Divide Hotshots from Santa Clarita, CA take care of their crew buggy and organize their gear. L.Edlund/Derby Fire.

Derby Fire: Facts – August 27

Lee Fire: Update August 27, 2025

FDNY Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Mike Burke

8-27-25 Morning update
8-27-25 Morning map

Location: 11 miles south of Meeker, Colorado
Start Date: 08/02/2025
Cause: Lightning Size: Lee Fire: 137,758 acres
Containment: Lee Fire: 90%
211 Total Personnel; 10 Engines; 2 Hand Crews; 2 Water Tenders; 2 Dozers

KEY MESSAGE

The reported acreage on the Lee Fire has been adjusted back to the original size noted earlier in the week, following improved mapping. The earlier increase was due to limitations in the previous data, which temporarily raised the estimate. With updated mapping complete, the acreage now accurately reflects the true fire size.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday, crews patrolled and secured the fire perimeter while completing suppression repair in
coordination with Resource Advisors and local agencies, guided by the approved Suppression Repair Plan. The fire remained fully within its current footprint, and crews continued working both to strengthen containment and to begin repair in areas affected by suppression activities.

Fire activity was minimal, and work will continue in the coming days to ensure the area remains secureand repair objectives are met.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Showers and thunderstorms remain likely across the fire area over the next several days, with rainfall chances near 100%. Overnight and into the morning, widespread cloud cover with embedded showers is
expected. If skies clear by midday, stronger thunderstorms could develop, increasing the risk of heavy
rain and flash flooding. If cloud cover lingers, conditions will likely remain limited to lighter, intermittent
rain with little lightning or strong winds.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

For accurate up-to-date information on evacuations and road closures for Rio Blanco County go to theRio 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: Update August 27, 2025

Lee Fire: Operational briefing August 26

FDNY Incident Management Team

August 26, 2025, Operational Briefing with Operations Section Mike Izzo

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office
BLM Colorado Fire
Bureau of Land Management 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: Operational briefing August 26

Derby Fire: Red Dirt Creek, Sweetwater, and Colorado River Roads open tomorrow

Eagle County and Garfield County Sheriff’s Offices

Garfield County zones remain in pre-evac (READY) status

News Release: 8.26.25Eagle/Garfield Counties – Beginning Wednesday, August 27, at 8 a.m., the Eagle County and Garfield County Sheriff’s Offices, in coordination with Derby Fire managers, will begin downgrading evacuation orders for Red Dirt Creek Road, Sweetwater Road, and Colorado River Road in phases throughout the day. After close collaboration with partner agencies and careful monitoring of conditions, these areas will move into pre-evacuation (ready) status. This allows residents to return home, but to still be prepared for risks while fire suppression continues.

“We’re extremely grateful for the work that has been accomplished by the fire crews in protecting our communities from potential devastation. Their hard work and effort are making it possible to return to a more normal pace,†said James Van Beek, Eagle County Sheriff.

Evacuation access will reopen in the following order:

Starting at 8 AM Wednesday:

All road closures will be lifted on Colorado River Road, including the closures near Coffee Pot Road and at Red Dirt Creek Road. Normal traffic will resume in both directions.

Sweetwater Road will remain closed to non-essential traffic, but a phased reentry process will begin

Sweetwater Road Reentry Schedule:

8:00 AM: Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management permit holders may begin accessing Sweetwater Road to transport gear, crews, and animals. Proof of a valid Forest Service or BLM permit will be required at the closure point.

12:00 PM: Residents may begin returning livestock and animals to their properties. An access card, proof of residency, or property ownership will be required at the closure point.

4:00 PM: The full closure on Sweetwater Road will be lifted, and the road will reopen to all traffic.

We understand how stressful and disruptive evacuations can be, and we sincerely thank our community residents for their patience and cooperation. While we are relieved to welcome residents back, it is important to remain alert and prepared.

Fire crews will remain active in the area, and heavy equipment will be positioned to provide structure protection as needed. We ask everyone to exercise extreme caution when traveling. Please yield to first responders at all times and limit non-essential movement to ensure crews have clear access to operate safely. You may find sprinklers, hoses, pumps, or water tanks on your property. Please do not move or drive over these items. If you need assistance with them, contact the Incident Management Team for help.

Recent rainfall has provided much-needed assistance in fire suppression efforts. However, with that rain comes new risks. Emergency managers are now closely monitoring for potential flooding and flash flooding in the burn area and surrounding communities.

We encourage all residents to stay aware of changing conditions, follow guidance from local authorities, and use caution when traveling through the area.

The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we are grateful for the teamwork of our partner agencies, emergency crews, and community members.

On Wednesday, the White River National Forest is reducing its public closure area. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.

***EN ESPAÑOL***

Comunicado de Noticias: 8.26.25 – Las carreteras Red Dirt Creek, Sweetwater y Colorado River volverán a abrirse el miércoles bajo estado de Preevacuación

Condados de Eagle y Garfield: A partir del Miércoles 27 de Agosto a las 8:00 a. m., las oficinas del alguacil de los condados de Eagle y Garfield, en coordinación con los gestores del incendio Derby, comenzarán a reducir las órdenes de evacuación para las carreteras Red Dirt Creek, Sweetwater y Colorado River por fases a lo largo del día. Tras una estrecha colaboración con las agencias asociadas y un cuidadoso seguimiento de las condiciones, estas zonas pasarán al estado de preevacuación (listo). Esto permite a los residentes regresar a sus hogares, pero sin dejar de estar preparados para los riesgos mientras continúa la supresión del incendio.

“Estamos extremadamente agradecidos por el trabajo realizado por los equipos de bomberos para proteger nuestras comunidades de una posible devastación. Su arduo trabajo y esfuerzo están haciendo posible volver a una vida más normalâ€, dijo James Van Beek, alguacil del Condado de Eagle.

El acceso para la evacuación se reabrirá en el siguiente orden:

A partir de las 8am del Miércoles:

Se levantarán todos los cierres de carreteras en Colorado River Road, incluidos los cierres cerca de la carretera Coffee Pot y en la carretera Red Dirt Creek. Se reanudará el tráfico normal en ambas direcciones.

La carretera Sweetwater permanecerá cerrada al tráfico no esencial, pero se comenzará un proceso de reentrada por fases.

Horario de reingreso a la carretera Sweetwater

8:00 AM: Los titulares de permisos del Servicio Forestal y de la Oficina de Gestión de Tierras pueden comenzar a acceder a la carretera Sweetwater para transportar equipos, personal y animales. Se exigirá la presentación de un permiso válido del Servicio Forestal o de la Oficina de Gestión de Tierras en el punto de cierre.

12:00 PM: Los residentes pueden comenzar a devolver el ganado y los animales a sus propiedades. Se requerirá una tarjeta de acceso, prueba de residencia o propiedad en el punto de cierre.

4:00 PM: Se levantará el cierre total de la carretera Sweetwater y se reabrirá en su totalidad.

Entendemos lo estresantes y disruptivas que pueden ser las evacuaciones, y agradecemos sinceramente a los residentes de nuestra comunidad por su paciencia y cooperación. Aunque nos alivia dar la bienvenida a los residentes, es importante permanecer alerta y preparados.

Los equipos de bomberos permanecerán activos en la zona y habrá maquinaria pesada para proteger las estructuras según sea necesario. Rogamos a todos que tengan extremo cuidado al trasladarse. Ceda el paso a los equipos de rescate en todo momento y limite los desplazamientos no esenciales para garantizar que los equipos tengan acceso libre para operar con seguridad. Es posible que encuentre aspersores, mangueras, bombas o tanques de agua en su propiedad. No mueva ni pase por encima de estos elementos. Si necesita ayuda con ellos, póngase en contacto con el equipo de gestión de incidentes.

Las recientes lluvias han proporcionado una ayuda muy necesaria en las labores de supresión del incendio. Sin embargo, con esas lluvias llegan nuevos riesgos. Los gestores de emergencias están ahora vigilando de cerca la posibilidad de inundaciones y riadas en la zona quemada y las comunidades de los alrededores.

Animamos a todos los residentes a que se mantengan al tanto de los cambios en las condiciones, sigan las instrucciones de las autoridades locales y tengan precaución al viajar por la zona.

La seguridad de nuestra comunidad sigue siendo nuestra máxima prioridad, y agradecemos la colaboración de nuestras agencias asociadas, los equipos de emergencia y los miembros de la comunidad.

El miércoles, el Bosque Nacional White River reducirá su área de cierre al público. Para obtener más información, visite www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts.

Derby Fire: Red Dirt Creek, Sweetwater, and Colorado River Roads open tomorrow

BLM reduces size of land closure in Garfield and Eagle Counties for Derby Fire

Notice of Public Closure
Press Release
Map

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Today, the Bureau of Land Management issued a public land closure order to reopen some public lands in Garfield and Eagle Counties that were closed because of the Derby Fire. This modified order is effective immediately.

BLM issued the emergency closure Aug. 20 to ensure public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts and to reduce exposure to hazardous situations due to fire behavior of the Derby Fire.

This closure affects: BLM lands north and west of the town of Gypsum, Colorado, that are north of Sweetwater Road; west of the Colorado River; east of the White River National Forest boundary; and south of Derby Creek.

Please refer to the map on the following page and closure order (on the BLM website) for detailed information on the lands that are closed.

This order will remain in effect until fire managers declare the Derby Fire controlled or BLM rescinds the order. The public is to remain clear of the areas still closed. Please use caution and watch for firefighters when traveling in the area.

Violations of this emergency order may lead to prosecution, with fines and possible imprisonment.

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety and resource integrity during this critical time. For more information about the land closure, please call the Colorado River Valley Field Office front desk at 970-876-9000. For more information about the Derby Fire, please call the fire information line at 970-355-3283.

BLM reduces size of land closure in Garfield and Eagle Counties for Derby Fire