Derby Fire Closure

Associated Documents

Forest Order

Derby Fire Area Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Appendix A (the “Described Area”):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area which is closed for the protection of public health or safety. 36 C.F.R. 261.53(e)

EXEMPTIONS                                                                                 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area is defined as the area on National Forest System lands within the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger Districts located, starting north of Sweetwater Lake, following the Forest boundary north and east to the east edge of the Derby Fire perimeter. Then, generally west following the Derby Fire perimeter to South W Trail (#2060). Then, west following the Flat Tops Wilderness boundary to the Johnny Meyers Trail (#2067). Then southwest following but not including Nellie’s Trail (#1839). Then, southeast to Sweetwater Lake.

The following trails are located within the closure: Johnny Meyers (#2067) southeast of its junction with Nellies Trail (#1839); Ute-Sweetwater (#2032) within the Derby Fire perimeter; South W (#2060) within the Derby Fire perimeter.

The Described Area is located in Sections 29 – 32, Township 2 South, Range 86 West, 6th P.M.; Sections 25 and 32 – 36, Township 2 South, Range 87 West, 6th P.M.; Sections 4, 5, 9, and 10, Township 3 South, Range 87 West, 6th P.M.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety by prohibiting entry into the Described Area during active wildfire suppression operations.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from September 13, 2025, at 12:01 AM through December 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Appendix A.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District in Minturn, CO, (970) 827-5715, and White River National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs, CO, (970) 945-2521, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes WRNF-2025-23.

Signed and issued on September 12, 2025.

Brian Glaspell

Forest Supervisor

White River National Forest

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