Derby Fire Information

9/8/25 - Daily Update from the Upper Colorado Fire Mangement Unit

9/7/25 - Daily Update from the Upper Colorado Fire Mangement Unit

9/6/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

9/4/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

9/2/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

9/1/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/31/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/30/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/29/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/28/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/27/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/26/25 - White River National Forest reduces Derby Fire closure

8/26/25 - Eagle County Sheriff's Office News Release: 8.26.25 - Red Dirt Creek, Sweetwater, and Colorado River Roads set to reopen Wednesday under Pre-Evacuation Status

8/26/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/25/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/24/25 - News Release - Residents to be Granted Limited Access to Sweetwater Valley and Sheep Creek

8/24/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/23/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/22/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/22/25 News Release: Helicopter Incident

8/21/25 - Daily Update from the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3

8/18/25 - 5 p.m. News Release: Resources working the Derby Fire 15 miles north of Dotsero 

Sept. 8 @ 12:00 p.m. Update: 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-information/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.

Sept. 7 @ 1:30 p.m. Update: Due to the firefighters' great work and favorable weather conditions, the fire did not show any growth yesterday. Today, firefighters will continue to strengthen and patrol containment lines and remove equipment.

Where containment has been achieved, firefighters continue suppression repair efforts — restoring firelines cut through the earth, rehabilitating staging areas trampled by equipment, and returning helipads to their natural state. Fire managers will continue to assess the need for the fire and reduce staff as needed.

Sept. 6 @ 11:00 a.m. Update: A Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the Derby Fire this morning. Firefighting resources continue to be downsized as containment increases. The Bureau of Land Management has reduced the size of its area closure, for more information visit : https://www.blm.gov/ucr-fire-restrictions.

Current Situation – The fire has seen minimal growth over the past several days. Firefighters are continuing to strengthen and patrol containment lines as well as back haul equipment. In areas with containment, firefighters are continuing suppression repair to restore areas disturbed by firefighting activities such as firelines, staging areas, and helipads. A heavy helicopter, light helicopter and unmanned aircraft systems (drones) are available to assist firefighters today.

Sept. 4 @ 11:00 a.m. Update: The precipitation we received last week coupled with lower temperatures offered us an opportunity for firefighters to take suppression actions along the fire’s edge. Incident managers are taking proactive action to consider firefighter, and equipment needs to most efficiently and effectively engage the fire.

Firefighters are using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) as they work in the Flat Top Wilderness Area. The crews are currently utilizing aviation assets which include unmanned aviation systems (UAS) to support all aspects of their operation.

Crews continue their work on the southeast side of the fire as they continue to construct fireline from the southeast corner up to West Fork Red Dirt Creek. As containment increases on the southern side of the fire, firefighters will focus on patrolling and mopping up isolated heat around cabins and a portion of the Ute-Sweetwater Trail. When patrolling the firelines, crews or engines are rechecking their previous work and validating there are no signs of smoke or heat that indicate the fire is still active.

On the northeastern side of the fire, crews continue to build fireline towards each other, one from the south end, and one from the north end.  As crews are working, other fire personnel will follow them mopping up as they contain the fireline.  Crews will utilize helicopters to transport hose, pumps, and fuel to support the firefighters’ efforts. They’ll also bring back debris from crews and spike camps, helping ensure the ground is left clean.

Sept. 3 @ 10:00 a.m. Update: Containment rose to 41% on the Derby Fire. Crews completed handline construction in steep and rugged terrain, on the southwest corner of the fire and are beginning to move north. Support from helicopter water drops in the area helped to mitigate the lingering heat along the southern fire edge. Firefighters are also working to repair impacts of fire suppression actions on the natural environment.  

Four separate groups of firefighters and support personnel have been flown into different parts of the fire and will continue their work on Wednesday. A hotshot crew on the north flank of the fire started line construction along the fire’s edge, using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST), in the West Fork Sheep Creek drainage of the Flat Tops Wilderness where heat has been detected. These tactics include cold trailing, using bare hands to feel for residual heat along the fire’s edge to reduce the amount of line construction. They will be assisted by aerial assets and anticipate working at this location for the next few days. 

A wildland fire Suppression Module (SMOD) is taking action to extinguish hotspots outside of the western fire perimeter. A SMOD is a smaller firefighting crew that is used for Initial Attack and other specific fire suppression needs. 

More than 70 firefighters are working on the eastern fire edge. Hand crews are traveling by helicopter to reduce travel time, moving further north, continuing handline construction.  

On the southeastern edge of the fire, an unmanned aircraft system identified several heat pockets. Crews plan to focus suppression efforts on those areas Wednesday. 

Sept. 2 @ 9:30 a.m. Update: Containment increased to 23% on the Derby Fire, with new gains on the north and south flanks. The fire has burned into a steep rock face on its northern edge which creates a natural barrier to fire spread. Days of dedicated mop-up and cold trailing operations have secured handline and dozer line on the southern edge, contributing to the rise in containment.

Fire intensity increased Monday on the southwestern side of the fire in the area of the county line and West Fork Sheep Creek. Helicopter water drops assisted a fire suppression module on the ground working to extinguish these hot spots. On Tuesday, they will continue their work in the area. Air resources will have a busy day delivering firefighters, medical, and support personnel to all sides of the fire. A hotshot crew will be moved to the north flank of the fire to work direct on the fire’s edge in the West Fork Sheep Creek drainage in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Firefighters utilize specific tactics when fighting fire in wilderness areas to minimize near and long-term impacts to the natural environment while most effectively engaging the fire. Additional firefighting resources have arrived on the incident and will be flown to the northeastern corner where they will work south extinguishing hotspots on the fire’s edge. Hand crews spiked near the West Fork Red Dirt Creek will continue to advance handline construction toward crews working north from Poison Creek. Specialized medical personnel will be staged nearby to assist crews in the event of an emergency.

Sept. 1 @ 11:00 a.m. Update: A spike camp is located near West Fork Red Dirt Creek, east of the fire edge, allowing hotshot crews to reduce travel time to where they are building direct line on the fire's edge. The hotshots are working south to eventually meet crews working up from Poison Creek on the southeast corner. This assignment may take several days to complete.

A combined group of 30 hotshots and highly skilled medical personnel will return by helicopter to the Hack Lake area to continue their work on the western perimeter. Being transported by helicopter allows the crew to save time and conserve energy for the day’s task, rather than making an arduous hike to the fireline. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will scout for areas of heat in spots outside the perimeter in the northwest portion of the fire and south of the Flat Top Wilderness area.  UAS reconnaissance flights identify areas of heat providing crews with coordinates to effectively locate them.

Firefighters continue backhauling excess structure protection equipment from areas where it is no longer needed. Crews continue to patrol and monitor the southern portion of the fire, searching out areas of heat and extinguishing them as they work towards containment. Crews will also monitor and maintain structure protection systems that remain along the Sweetwater, Sheep Creek, and Red Dirt Creek roads.

Aug. 31 @ 11:00 a.m. Update: Firefighters are working directly along the fire’s edge to take advantage of moderated fire activity ahead of an upcoming warming trend. Crews advanced handline construction on the southwest corner of the fire Saturday. To have themcloser to their work area, a hotshot crew will be flown into the area Sunday with a REMS (Rapid Extraction Module Support team). This is a specialized team that can provide a high-level of medical care and rapid extraction if needed.  An Unmanned Aerial System will help support firefighters by scouting for heat in the area and to alert them of safety hazards.  

Crews continue to construct indirect handline on the eastern perimeter of the fire, moving north. They are evaluating hand line construction options closer to the fire’s edge, as well as looking for potential helicopter medivac spots to support the ability to work in the steep terrain.  This area has a higher concentration of mixed conifer and subalpine fir trees. Heat remains in the dead and downed timber. Fire weakened trees in this area can pose a threat to firefighter safety. Falling snags are a common hazardon the fireline. 

The structure protection crews are monitoring fire defenses along Sweetwater, Sheep Creek, and Red Dirt Creek roads. Firefighters are beginning to remove hose lays, pumps and sprinklers around structures in Sweetwater Valley closer to the Colorado River corridor where the fire threat has lessened.  Initial attack resources have been identified among the structure protection crew to respond to assist local resources with any new fire starts that occur within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area of the Derby Fire.

Aug. 30 @ 11:00 a.m. Update: Containment increased slightly on the south, west of East Fork Sheep Road. This is where interior heat has decreased, and wind and weather conditions are unlikely to push the fire over the control line. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop up, and extinguish hotspots along the southern control line. Hotshot crews continue to construct fireline along the fire edge on the western side as they progress to the north. Handline construction is progressing on the east side of the fire, extending northward from an existing dozer line. Air resources are evaluating proposed medical evacuation helispots as the firefighters move into more rugged, remote terrain. An Unmanned Aircraft System is also available to help assess fuels, fire behavior and areas of heat using an infrared camera. Structure protection crews are actively monitoring and maintaining defenses around more than 500 structures along Sweetwater Valley, Sheep Creek, and Red Dirt Creek Road.

Aug. 29 @ 11:00 a.m. Update:  Firefighters continue suppression efforts. Smoldering and lone tree torching persist at higher elevations. Transfer of Command from Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3 to Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 will occur at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Firefighters continue scouting opportunities to construct indirect dozer line on the west side of the fire as well as possibilities to engage direct. On the southern and southeastern flanks, crews are patrolling, mopping up and cold trailing. Cold trailing involves gently feeling the ground and partially burned vegetation for residual heat and extinguishing any remaining hotspots. On the eastern perimeter, firefighters are progressing with indirect handline construction as weather conditions permit. Structure protection crews are working to improve and maintain fire defenses around more than 500 structures along Sweetwater Valley, Sheep Creek, and Red Dirt Creek Road.

Aug. 28 @ 9 a.m. Update:  Firefighters continue to build and strengthen control lines and scout for access routes. Smoke may be visible as interior fuels reheat during sunbreaks. Wet weather will temporarily moderate fire activity until drier conditions return.

Firefighters are actively assessing fireline construction routes on the western side of the fire. Scouting involves mapping proposed routes and detailing the type and number of resources needed. Along the southwestern edge of the fire, crews are reinforcing control lines by searching for lingering heat and removing or extinguishing still smoldering vegetation. Called mopping up, this fire suppression tactic prevents fire spread as it limits the opportunity for embers to roll or blow across the control line into unburned fuels. On the southeastern and eastern edges firefighters are using chainsaws, hand tools and heavy equipment to continue to build line. Crews are building secondary control lines on the eastern side of the fire where hazardous trees and heavier fuel types prohibit working directly on the fire’s edge. Air resources are evaluating proposed helispot locations to have medical evacuation sites closer to where firefighters are working. Structure protection crews continue to improve and maintain fire defenses around more than 500 structures along Sweetwater Road and Red Dirt Creek Road.

Aug. 27 @ 9 a.m. Update:  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.

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. 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. 

Aug. 26 @ 11 a.m. Update:  Coffeepot Road can again be accessed from its intersection with Colorado River Rd, as the southern end of the Colorado River Road closure has been moved northward. The Garfield County and Eagle County Sheriff’s Offices have changed the evacuation status for Sweetwater Valley and Sheep Creek to pre-evacuation (SET) status.

Wetting rain fell across the Derby Fire on Monday morning, and fire behavior has temporarily moderated across the area. However, incident managers predict wildfire activity will increase again when the weather warms and fuels dry out. Firefighters are continuing to build control lines along the east, south, and west flanks from a network of roads, dozer line, and hand line. About three-quarters of the recent growth on the eastern perimeter has been halted with new control lines. Structure protection crews are working along Red Dirt Creek Road. Across the fire they have prepared over 500 structures by positioning sprinkler kits and removing surrounding fuels. 

Aug. 25 @ 11 a.m. Update: A Community Meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 PM at the Gypsum Town Hall. It will be live-streamed on the Derby Fire Facebook page and simulcast in Spanish on https://www.youtube.com/@DerbyFireInformation.

About three-quarters of the recent growth on the fire’s southeast flank has been halted with new control lines.

The fire is growing slowly on other parts of its south perimeter, where firefighters are constructing control lines from a network of roads, dozer line, and hand line. On Sunday, they worked to strengthen and widen those fire lines and will continue through the next several days as weather and conditions permit. Structure protection crews are working along Red Dirt Creek Road. Across the fire, they have prepared over 500 structures by positioning sprinkler kits and removing surrounding fuels. Air support assisted by dropping flame retardant and water on the fire’s southeast flank.

Aug. 24 @ 9 p.m. Update: 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.

Access will be limited to residents of Sweetwater and Sheep Creek, and road travel is limited to 10am-4pm daily to allow for safe fire operations.

Aug. 24 @ 2 p.m. Update: LIMITED ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS IN THE SWEETWATER AREA

Officials are working on a plan to allow limited access to the evacuation zone for some Sweetwater residents. Specifically, those who own property or depend on it for their livelihood. More details are coming soon. Evacuation orders remain in effect.

Aug. 24 @ 9 a.m. Update: Zones 263, 366 and 369 along the Colorado River Road have moved to pre-evacuation status. Click on the map to identify the zones: Genasys Protect

The Colorado River Road remains closed to non-residents and unapproved traffic at the roundabout north of Dotsero.

Evacuations remain in place for Sweetwater and Red Dirt Creek.

Aug. 24 @ 9 a.m. Update: Road Closures: Colorado River Road is closed to non-residents and non-emergency traffic

The 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.  

While we understand the impact of road closures, safeguarding 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.

Evacuations remain in place for zones 327, 330, 266, 264, and 265 including Sweetwater Road and sections of the Colorado River Road from Sweetwater to Red Dirt Creek both in Eagle and Garfield counties. Derby Mesa remains in pre-evacuation status. Please follow evacuation orders.

Click on the map to identify the zones: Genasys Protect. Derby Mesa Loop remains in pre-evacuation at this time. Anyone needing evacuation support or information please call the Eagle County Evacuation information and resource line: 970-328-7400 and someone will be able to assist you. For Derby Fire questions please contact: 970-355-3282

For additional information about the Derby Fire please contact: 

Derby Fire Email:

2025.derby@firenet.gov 

Derby Fire Phone:

970-355-3283

Facebook

Derby Fire Colorado

Aug. 21 @ 1 p.m. UPDATE: - At 6:30 p.m. there will be a Facebook Live event to update the public on the Derby Fire. See the event link here: facebook.com/share/1J6rnfqFYN

UPDATE 11 a.m. 08.21.2025: Zone 266-A along the Colorado River Road has been moved to pre-evacuation status. The Colorado River Road remains closed to non-residents and unapproved traffic. Evacuations remain in place for Sweetwater and Red Dirt Creek. 

UPDATE 8:30 a.m. 08.21.2025: The Derby Fire grew to more than 2600 acres and is now managed by the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management team. 

Winds are moving in a southward direction today and outflow winds pushing downward create an additional risk for fire spread today.

Leave evacuated areas now for your immediate safety.

Evacuations remain in place for zones 327, 330, 266, 264, and 265 including Sweetwater Road and sections of the Colorado River Road from Sweetwater to Red Dirt Creek both in Eagle and Garfield counties. Click on the map to identify the zones: Genasys Protect. Derby Mesa Loop remains in pre-evacuation at this time. For evacuation questions please call the Eagle County Evacuation and Resource support line: 970-328-7400. For Derby Fire questions please contact: 970-355-3283.

An evacuation information center is open today, Thursday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Gypsum Recreation Center, 52 Lundgren Blvd, Gypsum, CO 81637.

Services available at the Evacuation Center include: information sharing, resource connection, showers, restroom facilities and light refreshments. It is located near The Salvation Army Canteen that provides meals for evacuees and first responders. The evacuation center is not accepting or in need of any donations at this time. Monetary donations can be made to the Salvation Army. 

Colorado River Road is closed to non-residents and non-emergency traffic. Please stay off the road to allow for a safe and effective incident response.

SWEETWATER, SWEETWATER LAKE AND TO WEST END OF CR 150 - Residents evacuated
COLORADO RIVER ROAD - Residents evacuated
DERBY MESA - Pre-evacuation, check back for further updates

Parking at the Eagle Sports Complex for Evacuees
The Eagle Sports Complex parking lot is available for evacuees to park and camp, providing easy access to their livestock being sheltered at the Fair Grounds.

For anyone seeking support for livestock and animal evacuations, please contact Connie Melzer of CSU Extension, 970-471-8043. 

For support with smaller animals, dogs and cats, please call the Eagle County Animal Services #970-471-3763.

The Eagle County Fairgrounds facilities are open for all scheduled events and livestock evacuations. The lower fields are closed to the public for fire camp. Please respect all closure signs.

For additional information about the Derby Fire please contact: 

Derby Fire Email:

2025.derby@firenet.gov 

Derby Fire Phone:

970-355-3283

Facebook

Derby Fire Colorado

UPDATE 7:45 a.m. 08.20.2025: There was significant growth on the Derby Fire last night, prompting evacuations for zones 327, 330, 266, 264, and 265 including Sweetwater Road and sections of the Colorado River Road from Sweetwater to Red Dirt Creek both in Eagle and Garfield counties. Click on the map to identify the zones: Genasys Protect. Residents of the evacuated areas need to leave the area no later than noon today, Aug. 20. Derby Mesa Loop remains in pre-evacuation at this time. 

This is a lawful order to leave by noon. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
Evacuation route: Colorado River Road (local traffic only)

Colorado River Road is closed to non-residents and non-emergency traffic. Please stay off the road to allow for a safe and effective incident response.

SWEETWATER, SWEETWATER LAKE AND TO WEST END OF CR 150 - Residents evacuate by noon
COLORADO RIVER ROAD - Residents evacuate by noon
DERBY MESA - Pre-evacuation, check back for further updates

An evacuation information center has been established at Two Rivers Community Center,  80 Kokanee Ln - Google Maps in Dotsero. 

For anyone seeking support for livestock and animal evacuations, please contact Connie Melzer of CSU Extension, 970-471-8043. 

For support with smaller animals, dogs and cats, please call the Eagle County Animal Services #970-328-3647 and press 2.

Aug 19 @ 8 p.m. Update: The Derby Fire is estimated at approximately 245 acres. Fire activity picked up throughout the day due to burning debris rolling down the steep terrain. The White River National Forest has issued a public closure for firefighter and public safety in Eagle and Garfield counties in the vicinity of the Derby Fire. The closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver. 

Eagle County has issued a pre-evacuation notice as a precaution. At this time there is no immediate threat to structures. 

Update as of 8:30 p.m. 08.19.2025:The White River National Forest has issued a public closure for firefighter and public safety in Eagle and Garfield counties in the vicinity of the Derby Fire.

The closure is within the Blanco and Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger Districts, starting north of Sweetwater Lake, following the Forest boundary north and east to the intersection of the Derby Loop Road (Eagle County Road 39); following Middle Derby Creek generally northwest to Island Lakes; then, generally south following the Island Lakes Trail (#1842), the W Mountain Trail (#1817), the Turret-Crescent Trail (#2269) and the Turret Creek Trail (#1838) back to Sweetwater Lake.

The closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver.

The Derby Fire is currently estimated at 245 acres and growing. It is burning in a difficult-to-access area of the White River National Forest. While no structures are immediately threatened, Eagle County has issued a pre-evacuation notice as a precaution.   

The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3 will assume command of the fire on Wednesday, Aug.20 at 6 a.m.

Update as of 7:30pm 08.18.2025: Out of an abundance of caution, areas in northwestern Eagle County are moving to pre-evacuation as of 7:30pm. There is no imminent threat to homes or ranches at this time. Those with livestock or other special needs may want to begin planning should an evacuation become necessary.

Update as of 6:15pm 08.18.2025: Fire resources are working the Derby Fire about 15 miles north of Dotsero in remote, rugged terrain on the White River National Forest today. The fire is currently estimated at 25 acres and growing. 

On Sunday, four smoke jumpers responded. A medium helicopter aided them most of today. When fire activity picked up from burning debris rolling down the steep terrain this afternoon, an additional four heavy helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, and Air Attack fixed wing arrived. 

• A type 3 incident commander will assume command of the fire tonight. Firefighters are assessing options in this remote area with substantial fuel. The fire is close to the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there are no immediate threats to structures.

• The White River National Forest remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, meaning no fires are allowed on National Forest System lands. The fire order and specific restrictions are available under “alerts” at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver.