Lightning-Derived Derby Fire Grows 245 Acres Colorado, Idaho Eagle Foothills Blaze Triggers Evacuations

Two significant wildfires have prompted evacuations and emergency responses in Eagle County, Colorado, and Ada County, Idaho. The Derby Fire in Colorado, sparked by lightning, grew rapidly from 25 acres to at least 245 acres, leading to mandatory evacuations for residents near Sweetwater Road and Colorado River Road, with parts of nearby forest closed for safety. In Idaho, the fast-moving RA 12 Ada CO Fire burned 100 acres near Beacon Light Road and Highway 55, triggering Level 3 evacuation orders for some residents and Level 2 alerts for others; a reunification site was established for displaced individuals. Fire crews in Idaho were able to contain the blaze by evening, allowing residents to return home, and no injuries or structural losses were reported. Both fires were fueled by dry conditions and wind, with investigations ongoing regarding causes, and emergency services urged residents to comply with evacuation orders and avoid affected areas. The coordinated response in both states involved multiple agencies deploying extensive resources to protect homes and ensure public safety.