10.22.19 - Fire Restrictions lifted in Eagle County

Eagle County - Fire managers and officials with state and local agencies have partnered and agreed to officially lift all fire restrictions in Eagle County beginning Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 6:00 a.m.

Recent fire restrictions had prohibited campfires, smoking in certain areas, cutting, welding, and/or grinding near dry vegetation, operating certain types of vehicles without spark arrestors and the use of steel core or jacketed ammunition. Please keep in mind that the use of exploding targets, tracer rounds, steel core ammunition or fireworks remains prohibited on all federal lands at all times.

Eagle County fire officials agree that with the recent moisture, increased humidity and cooler overnight temperatures have helped to reduce the current fire danger. Officials still recommend using precautions as conditions remain dry and diligence is always needed in ensuring campfires are completely out and watched closely when in use.

Going into the weekend and with hunting season upon us, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage everyone to have fun while recreating outdoors, keep safety in mind and to encourage residents and visitors to take personal responsibility and prepare before a wildland fire occurs.

View more information about fire restriction in Eagle County at www. ecemergency.org

View fire information across the state of Colorado http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html

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Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Implemented in Eagle County 
on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 6:00 a.m.

Eagle County - Due to the less favorable weather conditions and moisture, the Eagle County Sheriff will be implementing “Stage 1” fire restrictions that will take effect on Saturday morning, October 5, 2019, at 06:00 a.m.  Click HERE to view the signed order. 

Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on specific moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors such as predicted weather, available resources and amount of current fire activity.

The restrictions that will be implemented and remain in place until further notice are:

•    Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e., a metal, in-ground containment structure -- fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable).

•    No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.

•    No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation.

•    No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.

•    No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torches with an open flame, or any other spark-producing device, except within an area that has been cleared of vegetation.

•    No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order.

Fireworks are always prohibited on BLM, National Forest, and National Park Service lands.

The Stage 1 Fire restrictions will remain in place throughout Eagle County until further notice. Check with your local municipality for specific restrictions.

Going into the weekend following Red Flag Warnings this week, and with hunting season upon us, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage everyone to have fun while recreating outdoors, keep safety in mind and to encourage residents and visitors to take personal responsibility and prepare before a wildland fire occurs. 

Click HERE for more information about fire restrictions in Eagle County and to view an interactive map. 

Click HERE for fire information across the state of Colorado.

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10.03.19 - Currently, the majority of Eagle County is NOT under any fire restrictions.  

Summit County and the BLM area of Dice Hill in the North / West corner of Eagle County are under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (accessible from Summit County.) 

ALERT: Be prepared during periods of Red Flag Warning 
Fire Restrictions will automatically be in place for gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels in areas specific to a Red Flag Warning. 

Fire restrictions will apply during specific periods of Red Flag Warning when announced. 

Please view the 'Eagle County Fire Restrictions Info' tab for details.

Cedar Drive and Pinion Drive reopen after flooding

Aug. 5, 2019 - 12:35 a.m. - Cedar Drive and Pinion Drive have reopened. The evacuation center at the Eagle County Building in El Jebel has closed. Emergency responders will continue to monitor flood affected areas overnight. Residents are asked to report any safety concerns by calling 911.

Agosto. 5, 2019-12:35 a.m. - Cedar Drive y Pinion Drive han reabierto. El Centro de evacuación en el edificio del condado de eagle en El Jebel ha cerrado. Los respuesta de emergencia seguirán vigilando las zonas afectadas por las inundaciones. Se pide a los residentes reportar cualquier preocupación por la seguridad llamando 911.

Lake Christine fire scar flooding update

Aug. 4, 2019 - 10:30 p.m. - Emergency responders and public works crews are continuing to work on flooding response and clean up following heavy rains across the Lake Christine burn scar. No injuries have been reported.

Agosto 4,2019- 10:30 p.m-  Respondedores de emergencia y equipos de trabajo público se encuentran trabajando en responder a la inundación y en limpiar las continuas lluvias fuertes a través del el Lago Christine  marcado por el incendio. Ningún daño ha sido reportado.

- Roughly 30 homes were impacted.
Aproximadamente 30 hogares han sido impactados.
- An evacuation center has been established at the Eagle County Building at 0020 Eagle County Drive near Crown Mountain Park and will remain open until at least midnight
Un centro de evacuación ha sido establecido en el edificio de el Condado de Eagle, ubicado en 0020 Eagle County Drive, cerca del parque de Crown Mountain, y se mantendrá abierto hasta la medianoche.
- No loss of property has been reported, however there is mud around homes.
No se ha reportado pérdida de alguna propiedad, sin embargo se encuentra lodo alrededor de algunos hogares.
- No utility issues have been reported.
No se ha reportado problemas de servicios públicos.
- Approximately 10 vehicles were stuck on Frying Pan Road; all vehicles have been safely moved.
Aproximadamente 10 vehículos estuvieron atascados en la carretera de Frying Pan; todos los vehículos han sido removidos sin peligro.
- Frying Pan Road has reopened.
La carretera de Frying Pan está abierta de nuevo.
- Two Rivers Road has reopened.
La carretera de Two Rivers está abierta de nuevo.
-Cedar Drive and Pinion Drive remain closed.
Cedar Drive y Pinion Drive permanecen cerradas.

On-site evaluations are underway. For up to date information, subscribe to Pitkin Alert at www.pitkinalert.org.

Evaluaciones en sitio están en marcha. Para información actualizada, suscríbase a la aleta de Pitkin en www.pitkinalert.org

Flooding on Lake Christine burn scar

Pitkin Emergency Alert for the Basalt/El Jebel, Frying Pan Valley area(s):

There is active flooding in the Lake Christine Burn Area. Please take all necessary precautions which may include shelter-in-place or seeking higher ground. Do not enter flowing water or debris. An evacuation center is being set up at the Eagle County building at Crown Mountain Park.

Hay inundaciones activas en la area quemada de la quemazon Lake Christine . Tome todas las precauciones necesarias que pueden incluir refugiarse en el lugar o buscar  terreno más alto. No entre agua que fluye o escombros en movimiento. Se está estableciendo un centro de evacuación en el edificio del Condado de Eagle en Crown Mountain Park.

For all updates please click:  https://www.facebook.com/APCCC911

Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center @APCCC911 (Facebook page)

Red Dirt Cliff Fire

Updates on the Red Dirt Cliff Fire, which started on July 29 and is burning 5 miles southwest of Burns, are being posted to:

www.facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire

www.twitter.com/BLM_CO

911 Service Restored

6:45 AM 7/16 UPDATE: Good morning! Per CenturyLink, they have repaired the fiber cut, and the widespread phone outage has been fixed. The phone lines, including 911, are back in service.

911 Emergency Services Update

840PM Update: Citizens in Eagle County can call 970-477-5270 for emergent or non-emergent police, fire, and EMS needs. Text to 911 is still available. Please only call if you need assistance. No estimated time for phone restoration.

911 Service Impacted by Phone Outage

Update: 5 p.m. Monday, July 15. Due to widespread phone outage in Eagle County, if you need emergency assistance and cannot call 911, you can text to 911, call Pitkin County Dispatch at 970-920-5310, or go to your nearest fire/ EMS/ police station.

Suspect Faces Numerous Charges Following Incident in Vail

Evan E. Reichert, 33, of Denver, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated motor vehicle theft, first degree kidnapping, felony menacing, numerous burglary charges, assault, trespassing and other charges related to the incident at Vail Marriott Mountain Residences on July 5 at 8:20 p.m.

Reichert is accused of stealing a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban from a valet at knifepoint. He quickly crashed the vehicle and fled the scene.  Reichert was taken into custody at 10:30 p.m. and is currently being held at the Eagle County Detentions Facility.

The Vail Police Department is still seeking witnesses or potential victims of crimes related to this incident. If you have any information pertaining to this incident or are a victim of a crime relating to this incident, please call the Vail Police at 970-479-2201.

The Police Department would like to thank the staff of the Marriott and Ritz properties for their quick and valuable assistance during this evolving incident.  The department would also like to apologize to all of the guests in the area that were impacted by this incident.

Note: All individuals are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.

Evan E. Reichert

 

 

Suspect Apprehended Following Incident in Vail

At 8:20 p.m. Friday, July 5, the Vail Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call of a stolen vehicle at the Marriott Mountain Residence, 715 W. Lionshead Circle, which was taken from a valet at knife point.  Officers arrived on scene and a brief chase of the 2019 Chevy SUV ensued.  The suspect, later identified as Evan E. Reichert, 33, of Denver, crashed the SUV into a fence at the rear of the Ritz Carlton, near Forest Road and the South Frontage Road.  As officers then chased Reichert on foot, he ran back into the Marriott where they lost contact with him.  A search of the Marriott was undertaken and Reichert was found at the rear of the Marriott near Gore Creek at 10:30 p.m.  Guests of the Marriott were asked to stay in their rooms or wait for the search to be completed. After the suspect was apprehended, all guests were able to return to the hotel.

Officers, deputies and troopers from the Vail and Avon Police Department, Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol and 5D Security participated in the search and arrest.  The Vail Public Safety Communications Center, Vail Fire and Eagle County Paramedic Services all assisted.

The investigation is continuing and charges are being determined at this time. 

Contact: Vail Police Chief Dwight Henninger, 970-479-2218.

Responders to remain vigilant during high water

Video of River Levels on July 1, 2019

Sandbag Location Map

Emergency responders will be out and about tonight as concerns about high water continue. River levels are expected to remain high through Thursday for Turkey Creek, Gore Creek and the Eagle River. Thunderstorms could cause higher peak flows, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms tonight and an equal or slightly less chance tomorrow, decreasing later in the week.

Eagle River Fire Protection District crews are performing patrols of local waterways, and will respond to issues as needed.

Officials from the Town of Vail will continue monitoring the water for the next few nights. The town has replenished sand and bag supplies for residents to last a few more days.

Eagle County Road & Bridge and Town of Gypsum have replenished sand and bags at the county’s Maintenance Service Center in Gypsum.

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office has provided sandbag support through an inmate crew. Deputies are monitoring crossings and have closed the South Forty pedestrian bridge in Edwards.

Greater Eagle Fire is working with the Town of Eagle to help educate the public regarding safe use of the Eagle River Park. Visitors to the area may not realize water levels are not typical. Large debris in the water and obstacles downriver can be hazardous.

The Town of Minturn has created a sandbag barrier along the road at Little Beach Park.

Red Cliff officials are coordinating sandbag efforts along Turkey Creek and are monitoring potential threats to utilities along the town’s bridges.

Community members are reminded to be cautious around river banks and to report any unsafe river conditions to the Vail Public Safety Communications Center at 970-479-2201 in the Eagle Valley or the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center at 970-920-5310 in the Roaring Fork Valley. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

High river flows across Eagle County

Due to heavy evening rain on June 30, after a few days of warmer weather, rivers and creeks in Eagle County are running high and are full of large debris. Community members are asked to be cautious around river banks and are asked to report any unsafe river conditions such as strainers, i.e. trees or other large objects across the river; blocked culverts; damaged bridges or other issues to the Vail Public Safety Communications Center at 970-479-2201 in the Eagle Valley or the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center at 970-920-5310 in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Sandbag locations, flood maps, and other information can be found on the Eagle County website at www.eaglecounty.us/FloodPlanning.

Debido a la lluvia de la noche anterior y a unos días de un clima más cálido, los ríos y arroyos en el Condado de Eagle están con una corriente alta por lo tanto están llenos de escombros grandes. Se les pide a los miembros de la comunidad que sean cautelosos en las orillas de los ríos. Y tambien se les pide que por favor informen sobre cualquier condición insegura del río, como coladores, es decir, árboles u otros objetos grandes a través del río; alcantarillas bloqueadas; puentes dañados u otros problemas al Centro de Comunicaciones de Seguridad Pública de Vail al 970-479-2201 en Eagle Valley o al Centro Regional de Despacho de Emergencias del Condado de Pitkin al 970-920-5310 en Roaring Fork Valley.

Puede encontrar ubicaciones de bolsas de arena, mapas de inundaciones y otra información en el sitio web del Condado de Eagle en www.eaglecounty.us/FloodPlanning.

Current river conditions can be found at:
Direct: Gore Creek flow in Vail (West Lionshead)
Direct: Eagle River flow at Red Cliff
Direct: Eagle River flow at Avon
Direct: Eagle River flow at Gypsum

Direct: Colorado River flow near Dotsero

Direct: Piney River flow near State Bridge

Direct: Frying Pan River near Thomasville

Tayler Esslinger Found Deceased

From the Eagle County Sheriff's Office
It is with great sadness that the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed, from the Garfield County Coroner’s office, that Tayler Esslinger was found deceased in his vehicle on Friday, July 28. We are very heartbroken by today’s turn of events in this discovery. While it was not the outcome we had all been hoping and praying for, these last few days have shown how the circumstances of one individual can pull us together to make us all stronger. The love and support this community has shown in the search for Tayler has been beyond words. This support has been a comfort to his family, friends, co-workers, and the entire community.

We offer our sincerest condolences to the Esslinger family, extended family, and friends. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this sorrowful time.

We will have a community briefing this evening, Friday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Health Science Building at Eagle Valley High School on the East side of the campus. This community briefing will be live-streamed on our Facebook page for those who cannot attend.

Our hearts are hurting and as we begin to mourn Tayler’s loss, we cannot overstate the importance of reaching out to needed resources, such as the Hope Center, that are available to help all of us through this healing process.

For community members seeking counseling assistance, the following resources are available:

Eagle Valley High School | Health Science Building (east side campus)

• Walk-in support services will be offered from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 28

Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 455 Nottingham Road in Avon

• Walk-in support services will be offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 28
• Walk-in support services will be offered from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 1

Hope Center Eagle River Valley | Eagle County Paramedic Services Building, 360 Eby Creek Rd., Eagle

• Walk-in support services from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 29
• Walk-in support services from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 30
• Walk in support services from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 1
• 24-hour crisis line and in-person community support. Call anytime at 970-306-4673 (HOPE). For additional assistance, call Aspen Hope Center at 970-925-5858.
• www.ourhopecenter.org

Mind Springs Health

• For ongoing support and walk-in hours, call 970-328-6969. Mind Springs Health in Eagle is located at 137 Howard St.
• www.mindspringhealth.org

Speak Up REACH OUT – Suicide Prevention Coalition of Eagle County

• www.speakupreachout.org

 Colorado Crisis Line | www.coloradocrisisservices.org

• 1-844-493-8255, chat online or text TALK to 38255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255

• www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat support

Numerous community members, Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Gypsum Fire Protection District, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Greater Eagle Fire District, Eagle River Fire Protection District, AARF Eagle, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Avon Police Department, Eagle Police Department, US Forest Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Vail Mountain Rescue, Northwest Colorado Incident Management Team, Vail Public Safety Communications Center, Eagle County PIO Group, Colorado National Guard High Altitude Aviation Training Site, Multi-Mission Aircraft from Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Salvation Army, Eagle County Emergency Management, Eagle County Public Health, Town of Gypsum, United States Secret Service with technical support, Town of Vail, VTAC-Canine and the Garfield County Coroner’s Office all worked collaboratively on this incident.   

Tayler Esslinger

 

Missing Vehicle Has Been Located in Search for Gypsum Man

After many days of ongoing search efforts by multiple first responder agencies, state resources and community volunteers, the vehicle belonging to Tayler Esslinger was located by air resources this morning in a rural area of Garfield County. The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, along with other resources, are en route to the scene for further investigation.

All search teams have been recalled from their field efforts. The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office cannot thank our community enough for the enormous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Numerous volunteers joined us in searching for Tayler by donating their personal time and vehicles to assist in the days following Tayler’s disappearance. 

We are requesting the patience of everyone while we work through this investigation. All updated information will be posted as it is received. Please follow us on Facebook for updated and accurate information.

Tayler Esslinger

Search Builds for Missing Gypsum Man

From the Eagle County Sheriff's Office

On Thursday, June 27, roughly 75 civilians joined public safety personnel in conducting ground searches for missing Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Gypsum firefighter Tayler Esslinger. Ground teams were assisted by a fixed wing flight by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) and the Colorado National Guard High Altitude Aviation Training Site (HAATS) helicopters. Due to the number of volunteers and the expected duration of the operation, the Northwest Colorado Incident Management Team (NWCOIMT) took over management of the incident as of 5:30pm yesterday.

Ground searches today will focus on areas both north and south of I-70. Safety of the public and first responders is the top priority. Volunteers are requested to check in and out at the Gypsum fire station before heading out into the field. The intent is to ensure that all off-road areas are fully explored, including embankments and other areas where a vehicle may not be visible from the air.

One minor injury to a first responder was reported yesterday due to an ATV accident.

Any updates will be posted on the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. If you think you have information that could assist with the search, please call 970-479-2201. A public information line has also been set up: (970) 445-4911

Search party for Tayler Esslinger

Tayler Esslinger



Volunteers Join Emergency Responders in Search for Missing Gypsum Man

From the Eagle County Sheriff's Office

Search and rescue efforts are still underway for missing Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Gypsum firefighter Tayler Esslinger. Crews and volunteers will be back out in the field today, and are implementing a systematic approach, which will involve both air and ground searches. A volunteer briefing will be held this at Gypsum Fire Protection District at 511 2nd Street in Gypsum this morning, Friday June 28th at 8:00 a.m.

If you cannot attend the briefing and you plan on assisting in the search, we still ask that you please come to the fire station before you head out to the field in order to sign in and out. This allows us to track areas that have been searched by community members and eliminates duplicate efforts. Public safety is requesting that if you are out in the field in the evening that you check back into the fire station no later than 8:00 p.m.

 

Search for Tayler Esslinger Continues

From the Eagle County Sheriff's Office 

We have had an overwhelming response from community members wanting to assist with the search for Tayler Esslinger. Community members who wish to help search for Tayler are asked to come to the Gypsum Fire Protection District at 511 2nd Street in Gypsum for a volunteer briefing Friday, June 28th at 8:00 a.m.

If you cannot attend the briefing and you plan on assisting in the search, we still ask that you please come to the fire station before you head out to the field in order to sign in and out. This allows us to track areas that have been searched by community members and eliminates duplicate efforts. Public safety is requesting that if you are out in the field in the evening that you check back into the fire station no later than 8:00 p.m.

We have also been receiving phone calls regarding donations. If you would like to donate to assist in our search efforts, nonperishable food items such as water, Gatorade and energy bars that can easily be carried into the field are always appreciated.

Please do not call the station, which is experiencing a high volume of calls. If you have questions you can contact 970-445-4911. Any updates will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/pg/EagleCountySO/posts/. Please follow this page for the most updated and accurate information. If you think you have information that could assist with the search, please call 970-479-2201.

 

Searching for Missing Man from Gypsum

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, along with his family and friends, is seeking any information that may lead to the whereabouts of Tayler Esslinger, age 26, of Gypsum, Colo. Tayler was last seen early Tuesday morning driving a black 2011 Dodge pickup truck. The truck has firefighter license plates on it with plate number 719YBC. We believe when he was last seen he was heading into mountains. If you have any information regarding Tayler or if you see this vehicle, please contact the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office or the Vail Public Safety Communications Center at 970-479-2201.

6.21.19 - Eagle County Announces Updated Fire Restrictions Ordinance

6.21.19 - Eagle County Announces Updated Fire Restrictions Ordinance

Eagle County - This week Eagle County Sheriff James Van Beek, along with the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners signed an updated fire restrictions ordinance. The updates will help to clarify fire restrictions with what is allowed and not allowed and includes the implementation of automatic fire restrictions during periods of a ‘Red Flag Warning' throughout unincorporated Eagle County (excluding Federal lands). Anytime the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for our area, fire restrictions will automatically be implemented.

This means that Eagle County will automatically move into fire restrictions during the specific time frame of a Red Flag Warning, without any further action from the Sheriff. During times that Eagle County is not implementing regular fire restrictions and a Red Flag Warning is issued, all of unincorporated Eagle County (excluding Federal lands) will automatically move into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. The fire restrictions listed in the attached image under “Stage 1 Flag Restricted Activity” will be implemented throughout the duration of the Red Flag Warning.

In the event that Eagle County has already enacted “Stage 1 Fire Restrictions” and a “Red Flag Warning" is issued, all of unincorporated Eagle County (excluding Federal lands) will then automatically move to “Stage II Fire Restrictions”.The fire restrictions listed in the attached image under “Stage 2 Flag Restricted Activity” will be implemented throughout the duration of the Red Flag Warning.

*Undeveloped Lands: Lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined to be an undue wild land fire hazard.

*Portable Outdoor Fireplace: A portable outdoor, solid fuel burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other non-combustible material and equipped with a screen or other approved spark arrestor. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney on top.

• A red flag warning is a forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to inform area firefighting and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion, and rapid spread. *After drought conditions, when humidity is very low, and especially when there are high or erratic winds which may include lightning as a factor, the Red Flag Warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies.
   
• A map depicting the areas of Eagle County affected by fire restrictions can be found at: http://www.ecemergency.org/p/eagle-county-fire-restrictions-info.html
  
  
   
•  In addition, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages citizens to stay aware of the latest emergency and weather notifications by signing up for EC Alerts at: www.ecalert.org.

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Edwards Spur Road Open

March 15, 2019 - 2:40 p.m. - The gas leak in Edwards has been resolved and the Edwards Spur Road is open. All traffic has resumed normal routes. Any affected residents needing assistance restarting their gas appliances should call Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554.

Clean Up Underway on Edwards Spur Road

March 15, 2019 - 1:30 p.m. - Gas line repairs are nearly complete and clean up activities are underway on the Edwards Spur Road. Crews are working to reopen the road as soon as possible. Motorists should be prepared for traffic congestion near Miller Ranch Road and U.S. Highway 6 during school dismissal times.

Businesses in Edwards Plaza are open, access is from behind the Gashouse Restaurant.

Evacuation Order Lifted for Old Edwards Estates

The evacuation order has been lifted for Old Edwards Estates and residents may now return to their homes. Please contact Black Hills Energy at (888) 890-5554 to relight furnaces or natural gas appliances. Please note that the Spur Rd closure remains in effect; only residents of Old Edwards estates will be allowed past the closure at the I-70/Shell station roundabout.

Traffic and Transit Delays in Edwards Due to Spur Road Closure

March 15, 2019 - 7:15 a.m. - This morning's commute in Edwards will be affected by the continued closure of the Edwards Spur Road. Access to all schools is via Miller Ranch Road from U.S. Highway 6 or from the I-70 roundabout.

In addition, ECO Transit has temporarily discontinued service to the Freedom Park bus stop. Riders will disembark at Bull Run or at Miller Ranch.

Please be patient and expect delays.

Update to Edwards Spur Road Gas Leak

Media Contact: Tracy LeClair, Eagle River Fire Protection District, 970-471-5284

Map of Incident Area

March 14, 2019 - 11:25 p.m. - Crews continue to work on repairs to the gas leak on the Edwards Spur Road. An evacuation order remains in place for Old Edwards Estates, and a shelter has been established at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel.

Please note that odors evident in neighborhoods to the east of the incident, including Miller Ranch, are due to mercaptan - the odorant used to help detect natural gas - traveling further than the gas itself. Eagle River Fire Protection District is conducting constant air monitoring and no gas levels have been recorded east of the Spur Road.

All residents are encouraged to subscribe to EC Alert at www.ecalert.org to receive real time emergency information.

Vail Health offers transportation to any evacuees needing assistance.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army help set up an emergency shelter at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel.

Evacuation ordered for Old Edwards Estates due to gas leak

Contact: Tracy LeClair, Eagle River Fire Protection District, 970-471-5284

March 14, 2019 – 9:30 p.m. – Residents of Old Edwards Estates are being asked to evacuate the neighborhood due to a gas leak on the Edwards Spur Road. Residents should leave immediately with their pets and all medications and any other necessary items required for an overnight evacuation; close all windows and doors; and shut down all mechanical equipment, including furnaces. Eagle County Sheriff’s Deputies will be going door to door though the neighborhood to ensure all residents can leave safely.

A shelter is being established at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel, located at 32138 U.S. Highway 6 in Edwards. Pets will be accepted at the shelter if they are in crates.

The gas leak was reported at approximately 5 p.m., where construction was occurring near the bridge area as part of upgrades to the Edwards Spur Road and U.S. Highway 6 intersection.

Agencies responding to the incident include Eagle River Fire Protection District, Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Salvation Army, Colorado Department of Transportation, Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, Black Hills Energy, Eagle County Paramedics Services, Eagle County Emergency Management, Eagle County Animal Services, Vail Public Safety and Communications Center, Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Vail Health.

Winter Storm Clean Up Continues

The snow is moving out, but clean up operations are continuing. Watch for road closures as crews perform avalanche mitigation.

Learn more:
Extended Forecast - National Weather Service
Road Conditions and Travel Alerts - Colorado Department of Transportation
Avalanche Information - Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Official information is also being posted on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/coloradodot
www.facebook.com/COAvalancheInfo

and on Twitter at:
www.twitter.com/ColoradoDOT
www.twitter.com/CSP_Eagle

Public safety officials are reminding community members to take steps to ensure you keep yourself, your family and your community safe.

On the road:

• Subscribe to EC Alert to receive real time emergency, traffic and weather information. 
• Travel only if necessary.
• Slow down when roads are icy. 
• If you encounter an avalanche or powder cloud while driving, reduce speed, pull over to shoulder if possible, turn off your vehicle. If you have cell phone service, call for help and remain in your car. First responders will come to you. 
• Create an emergency supply kit for your vehicle with jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full. 

At home:

• Be aware of snow loads on roofs, especially mobile homes.
• Keep gas and electric meters clear of snow, and watch for any ice forming above them.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights in case of a loss of power.
• Learn more at www.ready.gov.