County launches new comprehensive COVID-19 website, adopts updated state public health order

Eagle County has launched a comprehensive, bilingual COVID-19 website to streamline information and resources related to the local effects of the pandemic. It is available at www.eaglecountycovid.org. 

The site combines elements from existing online resources so they are located in one place. Information previously found on www.ECEmergency.org, the Key Performance Indicators site, the data dashboard, the county website, and other outlets is available on the new site. Additional information will be added and updates will continue as the site is refined.

The homepage directs visitors to English or Spanish information. There, they can see the county’s current COVID-19 risk level, learn where to get tested, find individual and family assistance in both the Eagle River and Roaring Fork valleys, review guidance for businesses, and view information for incoming travelers. The most recent “epi update” video is also available. 

Eagle County Public Health & Environment recently updated its community monitoring dashboard to include additional local information and trends in COVID-19 disease surveillance. Information on confirmed cases, testing, hospitalizations and deaths will be updated every day. 

In addition to launching the new website, the county has updated its public health order to adopt the newest order from the state, which went into effect on Nov. 3. Specifically, the new state order:

• Updates the dial levels to be identified by color by removing the numbers from the Safer-At-Home levels. This change is intended to be more easily understood by Coloradans already accustomed to existing color-coded warning systems.
• Limits gatherings to no more than 10 from no more than 2 households for levels Blue, Yellow, and Orange, and prohibits gatherings for Red.
• Specifies that places of worship do not need to use the spacing calculator for seated events, consistent with other sector guidance, in all Safer at Home levels. Seated parishioners should be at least 6 feet apart from other households. 
• Emphasizes that outdoor worship is always permitted.
• Changes indoor event guidance in Level Orange: Safer at Home, High Risk to be 25% of posted occupancy limit or 50 people, whichever is fewer. 
• Changes outdoor event guidance in Level Orange: Safer at Home, High Risk to be 25% of posted occupancy limit or 75 people, whichever is fewer. 
• Includes in-person learning for preschool through grade 12 schools as part of the “Critical Business” definition. This clarifies that local districts are able to make determinations on how to structure the format of education based on local factors.
• Finalizes transportation guidance to emphasize the requirement to wear a mask and practice physical distancing while on public transportation. 
• Defines Stay at Home requirements, clarifying that at this level most activities are significantly curtailed, only allowed in outdoor environments, or prohibited, and noncritical businesses are closed for in-person work or services.

Visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/ for more information.

Eagle County Fire Restriction Info

BE PREPARED: When a RED FLAG WARNING is issued (NWS), Fire Restrictions will apply!

Fire managers, officials, and partners from local, state, and federal agencies have agreed to lift ALL fire restrictions in Eagle County beginning Friday, October 30, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. until further notice. 

• Check with neighboring counties, your local municipality, and fire authority for specific restrictions as they may still remain under fire restrictions or require a permit for burn activity.  

NOTE: 🚩Any time a RED FLAG WARNING is issued, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be in effect for Eagle County as issued by the National Weather Service without any further action by the Sheriff.  

⛅The NWS (National Weather Service) will announce a Red Flag Warning as issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. ... The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above. 

⚠The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage residents and visitors to take personal responsibility and prepare before a wild-land fire occurs.

**SCROLL DOWN to view Fire Stage flyers and interactive map**

For more information about fire restrictions on Federal Lands:

U.S. Forest Service link 

For information about fire restrictions across the State of Colorado:
CO Public Safety link

Eagle County is comprised of multiple authorities responsible for managing fire restrictions, including federal public lands managed by the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, unincorporated Eagle County, towns, and local municipalities.  The map below is intended to provide an overview of current fire restrictions across these jurisdictions covering all land within the boundaries of Eagle County and is a joint effort between the jurisdictions. 

*To view the new table, click on the image at the bottom of the page below

Details regarding each type of fire restriction stage appear below the map on this page.


Eagle County Fire Restriction Categories/Map Key

No Fire Restrictions = Green

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions = Yellow

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions = Red

Complete Fire Ban = Black

Detailed overview:

No Restrictions = Green 

• NOTE: No explosive targets or incendiary (tracer) rounds. These are never allowed on Federal lands
• The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage residents and visitors to take personal responsibility and prepare before a wildland fire occurs.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions = Yellow (click on the flyer to view)

What is NOT ALLOWED? 

• ALL personal uses of Fireworks are prohibited!  
• ANY fire not within a permanently constructed fire pit, ring, or grate on PUBLIC or PRIVATE land. 
• Fires contained within portable devices (chimineas, grills and tiki torches with no shut-off valve) on undeveloped lands. 
• Smoking outdoors in an area that is not cleared of all combustible materials. 
• No explosive targets or incendiary (tracer) rounds. These are never allowed on Federal lands. 
• Using any internal or external combustion engine WITHOUT a spark-arresting device.  
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame in an area that is NOT cleared of at least 10 feet in diameter and NOT in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.

What IS ALLOWED?

• Professional fireworks displays are allowed. 
• Fires contained within a permanently constructed fire pit, ring or grate on PRIVATE land; or within a fee-charged PUBLIC recreational site, such as campgrounds.
• Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices on PUBLIC or PRIVATE land. 
• Smoking within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or in an area that is cleared of all combustible materials.
• Shooting or discharging firearms on PRIVATE land or at a PUBLIC Shooting Range.
• Using internal or external combustion engines WITH a spark-arresting device. 
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions = Red  (click on the flyer to view)

What is NOT ALLOWED? 

• ALL personal uses of Fireworks are prohibited.  
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using an open fire, campfire, or open flame outdoors is PROHIBITED. This includes charcoal grills, BBQs, coal, and wood-burning stoves.
• Smoking outdoors when not in a developed recreational site or in an area that is cleared of all combustible materials.  
• Shooting or discharge of firearms for recreational purposes on private or public land.
• No explosive targets or incendiary (tracer) rounds. These are never allowed on Federal lands. 
• Using any internal or external combustion engine (chainsaw, ATV, generator etc.) WITHOUT a spark-arresting device.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torch devices with open flame outdoors.  A ‘HOTWORK’ permit can be issued thru a local fire department with a site inspection. 

What IS ALLOWED?

• Professional fireworks displays are allowed. 
• Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices on PUBLIC or PRIVATE land with a shut-off valve. 
• Smoking within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or in an area that is cleared of all combustible materials.
• Shooting or discharging firearms for hunting, with a valid and current hunting license on private or public lands.
• Using internal or external combustion engines WITH a spark-arresting device, and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a sound pointed shovel at least 35” long. Both must be readily available for use.

Complete Fire Ban = Black

🚫Complete Fire BAN. 🚫
ALL hot work requires a permit from local fire authority.

*View the above map online as a stand-alone here.  To incorporate the KML layer onto your own maps or to embed the map into a website, please contact brandon.williams@eaglecounty.us

2019 Eagle County fire restrictions table : (click on image to view) 

For further clarification on fire restrictions, please contact the Eagle County Sheriff's Office at (970) 328-8500 & press 2 for the general administration line.

Personal gatherings limited to ten people, no more than two households | Reuniones personales limitadas a diez personas, de no más de dos viviendas

Oct. 23, 2020: In response to an alarming increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) today amended its Safer at Home public health order to limit personal gatherings in all counties at all Safer at Home levels. The revised order reduces the size of personal gatherings to no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households. 

Recent case investigation data show that since July attending social gatherings and community exposures have become more common among new cases.  This suggests people have relaxed their precautions and are interacting more closely with a greater number of households.

“We are asking all Coloradans to act with an abundance of caution to reverse these worrying trends. Right now, the virus is spreading when people from multiple households attend gatherings. We need to keep gatherings smaller and with people from fewer households — we are asking everyone to ‘shrink their bubble’ to reduce the spread,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “Please take every effort to reduce contact with members of other households. If you can work remotely, please do so to reduce contact with other individuals. Taking action now can prevent your loved ones from getting sick, and help us save lives and avoid stricter public health orders in the future.”

Certain counties, like Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, and Boulder, have recently instituted stricter public health orders on gathering sizes. As always, Coloradans living in counties with stricter orders should continue to follow those orders. 

The amended public health order does not apply to counties that are currently at the Protect Our Neighbors level. Local governments in these counties may continue to determine gathering limits as they see fit, but all Coloradans are strongly encouraged to limit gatherings.

In addition to limiting  gatherings and gathering sizes, Coloradans should continue to follow other public health guidance, including wearing a mask in public, washing hands frequently, and keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet from others outside their household. 

Access all public health and executive orders online. 

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

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octubre 23, 2020: En respuesta a un alarmante aumento de las hospitalizaciones debido al COVID-19, el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado (CDPHE, por sus siglas en inglés) hoy modificó su orden de salud pública Más Seguros en Casa para limitar las reuniones personales en todos los condados que se encuentran en todos los niveles de Más Seguros en Casa. La orden revisada reduce el tamaño de las reuniones personales a no más de 10 personas de no más de dos viviendas separadas.

Los datos recientes de la investigación de casos muestran que asistir a reuniones sociales se ha vuelto más común entre los nuevos casos. Esto sugiere que las personas han reducido sus precauciones y están interactuando más cercanamente con un mayor número de viviendas.

"Pedimos a todos los habitantes de Colorado que actúen con mucha precaución para revertir estas tendencias preocupantes. En este momento, el virus se está propagando cuando personas de varias viviendas asisten a reuniones. Tenemos que mantener las reuniones más pequeñas y con personas de menos viviendas; estamos pidiendo a todos que 'reduzcan su círculo ' para reducir la propagación", dijo Jill Hunsaker Ryan, directora ejecutiva del CDPHE. "Por favor, hagan todos los esfuerzos para reducir el contacto con los miembros de otras viviendas. Si pueden trabajar de forma remota, por favor háganlo para reducir el contacto con otras personas. Tomar medidas ahora puede evitar que sus seres queridos se enfermen, y ayudarnos a salvar vidas y evitar órdenes de salud pública más estrictas en el futuro".

Algunos condados, como Denver, Arapahoe, Adams y Boulder, han instituido recientemente órdenes de salud pública más estrictas en el tamaño de las reuniones. Como siempre, los habitantes de Colorado que viven en condados con órdenes más estrictas deben seguir esas ordenanzas. 

La orden de salud pública modificada no se aplica a los condados que actualmente están en el nivel de Proteger a Nuestros Vecinos. Los gobiernos locales de estos condados pueden seguir determinando los límites para reuniones como consideren necesario, pero se recomienda firmemente a todos los habitantes de Colorado a limitar las reuniones.

Además de limitar las reuniones y el tamaño de ellas, los habitantes de Colorado deben seguir otras directrices de salud pública, como usar un tapabocas en público, lavarse las manos con frecuencia y mantener una distancia física de al menos 6 pies de otras personas fuera de su hogar.

Puede acceder a todas las órdenes ejecutivas y de salud pública en línea.

Continúe manteniéndose informado visitando covid19.colorado.gov.

Eagle County adopts new public health order | El Condado de Eagle adopta una nueva Orden de Salud Pública

Eagle County has updated its public health order regarding COVID-19 to adopt statewide orders, along with additional requirements specific to the local community. The new order is effective as of Oct. 9.

Eagle County worked closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Governor’s Office to develop a statewide comprehensive dial dashboard, which was reflected in the statewide order released on Sept. 15 and includes a risk assessment for each of the state’s 64 counties. The state’s order is meant to create consistency for expectations and goals among all counties, while allowing a measure of local control in tailoring public health policies. 

The order and the dial dashboard rely on three key metrics, including disease incidence rate, percentage of countywide COVID-19 tests that come back positive, and the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19, to generate a color-coded risk assessment. Each level further determines the activities and capacity limits based on the risk within each county.

“Eagle County is currently at the ‘Safer at Home Level 2, Concerned’ level on the statewide dial, and our individual behaviors will dictate whether we stay there, or move to more or less restrictive requirements,” said Eagle County Public Health and Environment Director Heath Harmon. “We need every community member to adhere to the 5 Commitments of Containment, cooperate with disease investigators, and keep our collective focus on our goals of keeping schools open and preparing for a successful winter season.”  

In addition to the statewide requirements, Eagle County’s updated order includes the following local provisions:

• Outlines requirements for people who are sick and for people who have been exposed to someone who is sick, including cooperating with the county on case and outbreak investigations.
• Requires all visitors be free of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 for 14 days prior to arrival in Eagle County. 
• Continues face covering requirements in indoor public spaces for those over the age of two, with limited exceptions.
• Provides general business requirements, as well as specific guidance for organized recreational youth and adult league sports.

All community members are encouraged to read the statewide and local public health orders in their entirety. 

Updates on the county’s response to COVID-19 are being shared at www.ECEmergency.org.  The county’s forum for community discussions is at www.facebook.com/OneValleyVoice. Those with additional questions can email covidquestions@eaglecounty.us or call 970-328-9750. 

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El Condado de Eagle actualizó la Orden de Salud Pública relacionada al COVID-19 para adoptar las órdenes estatales, junto con los requisitos adicionales específicos para la comunidad local. La nueva orden entrará en vigencia en forma inmediata.

El Condado de Eagle trabajó en estrecha colaboración con el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente y la Oficina del Gobernador de Colorado para desarrollar un Tablero de Marcadores Integral, lo que se vió reflejado en una Orden Estatal publicada el 15 de Septiembre que incluye una evaluación de riesgos para cada uno de los 64 Condados. La Orden del Estado está destinada a crear coherencia para las expectativas y metas entre todos los Condados, al mismo tiempo que permite una medida de control local al adaptar las políticas de Salud Pública. 

La orden y el Tablero de Marcadores se basan en tres indicadores clave que incluyen la tasa de incidencia de enfermedades, el porcentaje de pruebas positivas de COVID-19 en todo el condado y la cantidad de hospitalizaciones por COVID-19 para generar una evaluación de riesgo codificada por colores. Cada nivel determina además las actividades y los límites de capacidad en función del riesgo dentro de cada Condado.

“El Condado de Eagle se encuentra actualmente en el nivel 'Más seguro en el hogar Nivel 2, Preocupante' del tablero de marcadores estatal, y nuestros comportamientos individuales dictarán si nos quedamos allí o si migramos a requisitos más o menos restrictivos”, dijo el Director de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente del Condado de Eagle, Heath Harmon. "Necesitamos que todos los miembros de la comunidad se adhieran a los 5 compromisos de contención, cooperen con los investigadores de enfermedades y mantengan un enfoque colectivo en nuestros objetivos de mantener las escuelas abiertas y prepararnos para una temporada de invierno exitosa".  

Además de los requisitos estatales, la orden actualizada del Condado de Eagle incluye las siguientes disposiciones locales:

• Describe los requisitos para las personas que están enfermas y para las que han estado expuestas a alguien enfermo, incluida la cooperación con el condado en las investigaciones de casos y brotes.
• Requiere que ningún visitante presente síntoma alguno compatible con COVID-19 durante los 14 días previos a su llegada al condado de Eagle. 
• Mantiene el requerimiento del uso de una cubierta facial en espacios interiores públicos para personas mayores de dos años, con limitadas excepciones.
• Proporciona requisitos comerciales generales, así como orientación específica para ligas deportivas recreativas organizadas para jóvenes y adultos.

Se anima a todos los miembros de la comunidad a leer las órdenes de salud pública locales y estatales en su totalidad. 

Las actualizaciones sobre la respuesta del condado al COVID-19 las puede encontrar ingresando a www.ECEmergency.org. El foro del condado para discusiones comunitarias se encuentra en www.facebook.com/OneValleyVoice. Aquellos con preguntas adicionales pueden enviar un correo electrónico a covidquestions@eaglecounty.us o llamar al 970-328-9750.

Alkali Creek Fire in the area of milemarker 4 on Hwy 131

12:30pm: Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, ERFPD, Gypsum Fire Protection District, the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol, and the U.S. Forest Service - White River National Forest are responding to a wildland-urban interface fire, Alkali Creek Fire, on Highway 131 near Four Eagle Ranch. Please avoid the area and #SlowDownMoveOver for emergency responders. No need to call 911 to report smoke.

UPDATE 12:40 p.m.: Hwy 131 is closed between Hwy 6 and the Trough Rd. Air resources have been requested. The fire is reported at approximately 10 acres and is burning in sage, pinon, and juniper. Gusty winds are creating erratic fire behavior.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: Horse Mountain subdivision has been placed on pre-evacuation status. Residents in the area should be prepared to leave immediately if told to do so. If you feel unsafe; leave. Do not wait to be told to evacuate.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: 1 helicopter is on scene. 2 single-engine air tankers (SEATs) and a large air tanker (LAT) are en route to assist ground crews.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: The fire has been named the Alkali Creek Fire. We are aware that smoke is visible from the Beard Creek/Singletree area. Please do not call 911 to report.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Eagle County Emergency Management has created a map of the fire perimeter and the approximate area of evacuations: The map is available here

UPDATE 3:00 p.m.: Evacuating Muddy Pass Rd (hunters & campers) up to MP 5. BLM land is being evacuated up to the National Forest Service land.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: The #AlkaliCreekFire is currently being reported at 100 acres, with 0% containment. A Red Flag warning is in effect until 8:00pm this evening. A Red Flag warning has also been issued from noon to 8:00 p.m. tomorrow.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: HWY 131 re-opening, from Hwy 6 to Trough Rd. is safe to resume normal traffic. PRE-EVAC still in effect for Horse Mountain and Muddy Pass areas. #SlowDownMoveOver Please use caution as fire vehicles remain in the area.

09.26.20 UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: Everything was calm on the #AlkaliCreekFire overnight. 4 Eagle Ranch & BLM lands have been moved to pre-evacuation status. All existing pre-evacuation areas including Horse Mtn Ranch will stay in place for the day. Please drive with caution, and watch for firefighters and equipment in the area. For more information, use #AlkaliCreekFire

NEWS RELEASE  September 26, 2020 

4 Eagle Fire 121 acres, 75% contained 

WOLCOTT, Colo. – The 4 Eagle Fire, previously called the Alkali Creek Fire, ignited on private land as a structure fire yesterday, spilling over onto the Bureau of Land Management public lands. The fire was quickly fanned by red flag conditions, growing to 121 acres. It is burning in grass and brush off of Colorado Highway 131 north of Wolcott. 

Multiple agencies quickly responded with fire engines, also calling in for air support. Two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) and one Large Air Tanker (LAT) laid down retardant lines, while two helicopters (one Type 1 and one Type 3) dropped water to cool the heat, slowing the fire’s advance. Fire activity calmed overnight with cooler temperatures and increased humidity. 

Two Forest Service engines are assigned to work the fire today and will order air support if it becomes needed. Crews will seek out and extinguish remaining pockets of heat and work to secure the fire perimeter today and in the coming days. 

Today, highs will be in the upper 70s, with west winds from 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 40 mph, and relative humidity between 10 – 15%. A red flag warning is in effect from noon until 8:00 p.m. due to low relative humidity and windy conditions that tend to promote extreme fire behavior. 

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on BLM lands in Eagle County. To learn more about fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in northwest Colorado, visit BLM's Northwest District Fire and Aviation webpage. 

9/26/20 UPDATE: 7:00 p.m.

4 Eagle Fire holds at 113 acres, now 100% contained

WOLCOTT, Colo. – Thanks to the quick response from multiple partner agencies and light grass and sagebrush fuels, the 4 Eagle Fire is 100% contained at 113 acres. Slightly reduced acreage is a result of more accurate mapping today. Eagle County has lifted the pre-evacuation notice that was put into place yesterday. The Type 4 organization transferred command of 4 Eagle Fire to a Type 5 organization at 7:00 this evening.

Five engine crews worked the fire today monitoring for evidence of continued fire activity. They worked a grid along the entire fire perimeter, finding no residual heat or smoke. A red flag warning is forecasted again tomorrow, and firefighters will monitor the 4 Eagle Fire for any further fire activity.

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Contact: Maribeth Pecotte, Public Affairs Specialist, (970) 724-3027 

UPDATE: 9.28.20 

4 Eagle Fire declared controlled

WOLCOTT, Colo. – The 4 Eagle Fire was declared controlled at 6:00 this evening. It will be placed in patrol status for local resources to check on daily.

“Crewmembers of Rio Grande Engine 671 have worked the fire for the past two days monitoring for evidence of continued fire activity,” said Incident Commander trainee, Hunter Dennis. “We hiked the entire perimeter and checked the spot at the top of the hill and found no evidence of heat or smoke anywhere within the fire area.”

Fire managers are very pleased with the interagency cooperation resulting in quick resolution and a positive outcome.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on BLM lands in Eagle County. To learn more about fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in northwest Colorado, visit BLM's Northwest District Fire and Aviation webpage.

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