Eagle County, CO – As warm and drier weather returns to northwest Eagle County, officials warn that smoke from the Derby Fire will become more noticeable. With no rain in the near forecast and temperatures lingering in the 70s this week, firefighting crews are intensifying their efforts to contain the wildfire that has scorched thousands of acres.
Since igniting due to a lightning strike on August 16, the Derby Fire has consumed 5,475 acres — roughly 8.5 square miles of rugged terrain. Despite steady containment efforts, the fire remains only 6% contained as of Monday, with fire personnel and equipment working tirelessly to control the blaze.
Ongoing Containment Strategies Amid Challenging Weather
The Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 provided an update highlighting the establishment of a spike camp near West Fork Red Dirt Creek east of the fire’s edge. This camp enables hotshot crews to reduce travel time while constructing direct containment lines on the fire’s perimeter.
Crews are methodically working southward to connect with other teams advancing from Poison Creek along the southeast corner of the fire. This critical phase of containment is expected to take several days to complete.
Additionally, a combined group of 30 hotshots and medical personnel are being deployed by helicopter back to the Hack Lake area to bolster work on the fire’s western perimeter. The use of helicopters helps save time and conserve firefighting energy, bypassing the need for challenging hikes to the fireline.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) continue to play a vital role by scouting for remaining heat spots outside the fire perimeter, particularly in the northwest portion and south of the Flat Top Wilderness area. These reconnaissance flights enable crews to identify and effectively target hidden hotspots with precise coordinates.
Active Fire Monitoring and Community Safety Measures
Firefighters are also engaged in:
- Backhauling excess structure protection equipment from areas where it is no longer required
- Patrolling and extinguishing residual heat sources along the southern portion of the fire
- Maintaining structure protection systems on key routes, including Sweetwater, Sheep Creek, and Red Dirt Creek roads
Fire restrictions and closures remain firmly in place across Bureau of Land Management territories and the White River National Forest to safeguard lives and property.
Importantly, the Colorado River, Sweetwater, and Red Dirt Creek roads have reopened, and evacuation levels for areas like Sweetwater Valley, Sheep Creek, and Red Dirt Creek have been downgraded to pre-evacuation (READY) status by the Garfield County and Eagle County Sheriff’s Offices. Residents are strongly encouraged to monitor ECEmergency.org regularly for the latest updates.
Ensuring Airspace Safety During Firefighting Operations
A temporary flight restriction is currently active over the Derby Fire area. This ban prevents all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, from flying near the fire because they can interfere with essential authorized air support operations vital for the containment effort.
“Utilizing technology like UAS and deploying hotshot crews via helicopter dramatically enhances our ability to manage this fire effectively while safeguarding our personnel,” said a representative from the Incident Management Team.
Looking Ahead: Weather and Containment Outlook
With mild wind expected through the week but no precipitation in sight, officials anticipate smoke levels will rise, impacting air quality in surrounding communities. Despite these challenges, the coordinated efforts of over 578 personnel, supported by four aircraft, 27 engines, and 12 heavy equipment pieces, are focused on increasing containment and protecting residents and infrastructure.
- Fire started on Aug. 16 due to a lightning strike
- Approximately 5,475 acres burned in rugged northwest Eagle County terrain
- 6% containment status as of Monday
- 578 firefighting personnel assigned with extensive equipment support
- Pre-evacuation status in some areas, with key roads reopened
