FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 2, 2018

Contact: Tracy LeClair ERFPD Community Risk Manager/PIO (970) 471-5284 / [email protected]

BRETT TRAIL FIRE THREATENS STRUCTURES IN EDWARDS EDWARDS, Colorado – At approximately 5:00 p.m. yesterday, crews were dispatched to a report of a grass fire on the hillside just east of the Eagle River Village mobile home park in Edwards. Multiple callers reported 10-20 foot flames just south of Highway 6 and moving east towards homes at the top of the hill. Crews began a direct attack on a running fire in grass and downed timber, which was being driven east by gusty winds. The first arriving engine conducted initial attack from engine water tanks, which were quickly depleted; lack of a nearby hydrant required the shutdown of Highway 6 so crews could connect to a water supply. One engine company was deployed to the top of the hill for structure protection, and the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office initiated evacuations of the homes on Brett Trail South. A second alarm was called and additional resources requested as flames continued to threaten homes at the top of the hill. By approximately 7:00 p.m., the fire was under control, and the evacuation order was rescinded just after 8:00 p.m. Firefighters remained on scene until 10:00 p.m., conducting overhaul operations and putting out hot spots. Crews rotated through periodic patrols overnight to ensure no flare ups occurred, and were back on scene this morning to ensure no hot spots remain. The cause is still under investigation. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory, which is in effect until midnight tonight. Winds are expected to increase throughout the afternoon today, with potential gusts up to 70 mph. Please use caution with all open flames, as spring green-up has not yet begun and fuels are very dry. Even the smallest spark or ember could spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity Engine 12, Engine 7, Engine 15, Engine 5, Engine 11 and Battalion 7 responded, and were assisted by Engine 2, Engine 3 and Battalion 3 from Vail Fire and Emergency Services, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado State Patrol, Eagle County Paramedic Services, Vail Public Safety Communications Center, the United States Forest Service and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Salvation Army Canteen provided meals and coffee for the nearly 40 firefighters and support personnel on scene. Additionally, Summit Fire and EMS provided an engine to cover Vail, and Greater Eagle Fire Protection District provided an engine to cover Edwards during the incident. Additional photos can be found on the Eagle River Fire Protection District Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRiverFireProtectionDistrict/ Attachment: BrettTrail1.jpg; BrettTrail2.jpg; BrettTrail3.jpg; BrettTrail4.jpg ### Eagle River Fire Protection District is a professional fire service agency and proudly serves Tennessee Pass, Camp Hale, Red Cliff, Minturn, EagleVail, Avon, Mountain Star, Wildridge, Beaver Creek (by contractual agreement), Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Homestead, Edwards, Lake Creek, Singletree, Pilgrim Downs, Cordillera, Bellyache Ridge, Red Sky Ranch and associated portions of I-70, Hwy 6 & 24.