Wednesday 8/12, 10:45 P.M. update:
The Eagle Fire burning in Douglas County has burned 151 acres and is 20% contained, according to the Bureau of Land Management. It is also prompting evacuation orders.
Perimeter Map is showing the evacuation orders in place in Douglas County.
The fire was hit with significant rainfall on Wednesday, which helped firefighters.
Firefighters will return early Thursday morning to continue working the fire.
Crews will focus on improving and securing containment lines while conditions allow.
Heavy fuels continue to burn within the fire area, and additional work remains.
Wednesday 8/12, 11:45 A.M. update:
The lightning-caused Eagle Fire remains 0% contained with no structures lost according to the latest update from the Bureau of Land Management.
Topaz Lake was closed at 10 a.m. to allow scooper aircraft to be in operation.
Road closures also remain in place today at the following locations:
- Minnehaha Canyon at Canyon Road
- Ricky Canyon off Upper Colony in Wellington
Please avoid these areas and allow extra travel time as fire personnel and equipment to move through the area.
Topaz Ranch Estates remains under a “Get Set to Evacuate” notice.
Wednesday 8/12, 8:15 A.M. update:
The Eagle Fire remains at 0% containment Wednesday as firefighters work to slow the lightning-caused blaze burning along the ridgetop above Minnehaha Canyon in Douglas County.
Topaz Ranch Estates was placed under a “Get Set to Evacuate” notice when the fire began Tuesday, according to Douglas County in an online post. Residents were advised to have vehicles ready, gather essential items and remain alert for official updates in case the evacuation status changed.
The fire is burning on National Wildland Fire Service land, with East Fork Fire and the National Wildland Fire Service working under Unified Command. No structures have been lost.
Because the fire is in a remote area that is difficult to reach by ground, firefighters are using aircraft for direct attack. Two Single Engine Air Tankers and two scooper aircraft are working on the fire, while a structure protection group is in place. Additional resources are expected Wednesday.
Several closures are taking effect to give fire personnel and equipment safe access to the area. Minnehaha Canyon is closed at Canyon Road, and Ricky Canyon is closed off Upper Colony in Wellington.
Topaz Lake will close at 10 a.m. Wednesday so aircraft can safely access the water for firefighting operations.
Officials are asking people to avoid the closed areas and allow extra travel time for fire personnel and equipment.
Weather could add another challenge Wednesday, with the possibility of localized thunderstorms, heavy lightning and flooding. Fire officials said they will continue monitoring conditions closely to protect personnel working on the fire.
People in the area are asked to stay out of the fire area when possible and follow posted closures and directions from fire personnel. Additional updates will be provided as necessary.
(Douglas County contributed to this story.)
