GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) - On August 16, the Derby Fire ignited after lightning struck on an extremely steep cliff face in A remote area. On August 17, smokejumpers made initial efforts to contain the fire, but those were hindered after burning material rolled down the slope, spreading the flames more.

The two fires are called the Derby Fire, located in Eagle County near Garfield County, and the La Plata Fire, located in Chaffee and Lake counties in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests.

The Derby Fire, burning in steep terrain north of Dotsero in the White River National Forest, has prompted evacuation orders in the area of Sweetwater Lake and a complete closure of Colorado River Road.

New evacuations took effect at noon Wednesday for the Derby Fire burning in Eagle County after it grew significantly ... Residents of Sweetwater Road and areas of the Colorado River Road from Sweetwater to Red Dirt Creek were ordered to leave the area ...

The Derby Fire that more than tripled in size on Tuesday saw “significant fire growth overnight,” prompting early Wednesday morning evacuations north of Dotsero and Interstate 70.

Four wildfires burning in western Colorado have consumed more than 250 square miles, threatened hundreds of homes and forced evacuations, fire officials said.

The Derby Fire burning in the northwestern corner of Eagle County is estimated at approximately 100 acres and growing, according to a Tuesday evening update from the U.S. Forest Service. With temperatures on Tuesday

The two fires are called the Derby Fire, located in Eagle County near Garfield County, and the La Plata Fire, located in Chaffee and Lake counties in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests.