Wildfire — Flattop Mountains, Colorado

2025-08-17 to 2025-08-31 · Flattop Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

The Derby Fire started in mid August due to a lightning strike 13.5 miles north of Dotsero, Colorado. The fire grew to 5,453 acres spreading across Eagle and Garfield counties. While major suppression efforts ended in October and significant fire activity ceased, the remaining 5 percent was in an inaccessible area with pockets of interior smoke. It was officially 100 percent contained by mid December. The estimated cost was $23,860,000.

Wider weather episode

The Derby Fire started in mid August due to a lightning strike 13.5 miles north of Dotsero, Colorado. The fire grew to 5,453 acres spreading across Eagle and Garfield counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1298395. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.