Sylvan fire near Eagle grows to 3,583 acres with no containment
The Sylvan fire burning outside of Eagle grew to 3,583 acres Wednesday morning with no progress in containment, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Despite firefighting efforts, the fire spread across West Brush Creek Road on Tuesday. Firefighters will work Wednesday to prevent any further movement in that area using two heavy helicopters and a light helicopter, officials said.
As a contingency plan, firefighters will also work to scout the East Brush Creek Road for fire line opportunities.
Firefighters were able to burn in some fire line north and east of Crooked Creek Park to keep the fire from moving farther south, officials said. Crews will also use air tankers to help contain the heel of the fire on the north side.
The Sylvan fire started Sunday afternoon 16 miles south of Eagle, near Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle County. Officials believe the fire was started by lightning but are continuing to investigate.
As of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, 130 firefighters are assigned to the fire. The Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team will assume management of the fire on Thursday, which will likely result in increased fire traffic in the downtown Eagle area, officials said.
The White River National Forest has closed the area around the fire and evacuated all campers at Sylvan Lake State Park. Firefighters are working to protect structures at the park, according to the White River National Forest Facebook page.
Evacuated areas include Crooked Creek Pass, Yeoman Park, Lede Reservoir area, Hardscrabble, Hat Creek Road and Peter Aspen Valley Hut, the sheriff’s office said.
Road closures include Sylvan Lake Road and Brush Creek Road at Hardscrabble Road.
Areas that need to be ready to evacuate include the Upper Frying Pan River areas from the Ruedi Dam to Hagerman Pass, including Meredith and Thomasville.
Those in the area of Frying Pan Valley are also encouraged to relocate any livestock as a precautionary measure, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office said. Locations where livestock can be taken are available here.
A virtual community meeting discussing the fire will be held on the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at 6 p.m. Wednesday.





