Derby Fire Triggers Evacuations as 2025 Colorado Wildfires Burn Over 209,000 Acres

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. — Mandatory evacuations were ordered on Aug. 20 as the Derby Fire in Eagle County grew to 839 acres, according to officials.

Residents along Sweetwater Road and parts of Colorado River Road from Sweetwater to Red Dirt Creek were told to evacuate by noon. Derby Mesa Loop remains on pre-evacuation status, while the White River National Forest issued a public closure in parts of Eagle and Garfield counties for safety.

Cause and Firefighting Challenges

The Derby Fire, sparked by lightning on Aug. 16, ignited an extremely steep cliff face near the Flat Tops Wilderness. Fire crews say battling the blaze has been difficult, as burning material rolled down the cliff, reigniting dry fuel below.

Statewide Wildfire Situation

This year’s wildfires in Colorado have been fueled by dry weather, intense heat, parched land, and frequent lightning strikes. So far, 19 major wildfires — 13 tracked in InciWeb and six reported locally — have burned over 209,000 acres statewide.

On Aug. 14, Governor Jared Polis declared a statewide emergency disaster, freeing up additional resources to support firefighting and recovery efforts.

Status of Major Fires as of Aug. 20

Elk Fire — 14,518 acres, 100% contained
Lee Fire — 137,755 acres, 68% contained; on track to become the 4th largest fire in Colorado history
Crosho Fire — 2,067 acres, 23% contained, estimated containment Sept. 15
Stoner Mesa Fire — 9,407 acres, 10% contained, estimated containment Oct. 1

Colorado’s Largest Fires in 2025 (as of Aug. 20)

Lee Fire — 137,755 acres
Turner Gulch Fire — 31,698 acres
Elk Fire — 14,518 acres
Stoner Mesa Fire — 9,407 acres
Twelve Fire — 4,287 acres

Historical Context — Largest Fires in Colorado History

Cameron Peak Fire (2020): 208,913 acres
East Troublesome Fire (2020): 193,812 acres
Pine Gulch Fire (2020): 139,007 acres
Hayman Fire (2002): 137,760 acres
Lee Fire (2025): 137,755 acres (still active)

How to Prepare and Help

Officials urge residents in wildfire-prone areas to:

Create emergency kits and evacuation plans
Follow local alerts and evacuation orders
Donate responsibly to verified relief efforts
Support firefighters by adhering to safety guidelines

With worsening conditions, officials warn residents to stay alert as fire crews continue battling multiple blazes across the state.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.

Katie Baylett

Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.