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Contact: James Doyle, 970-586-1363
A wildfire reported on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 located west of the Fern Lake Trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is uncontained as of 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. The fire, located west of Moraine Park, is currently estimated to be about 300 acres and is burning in steep, rugged terrain. No structures are threatened. About 40 hikers and campers were evacuated from the area yesterday. Visitor and staff safety remain the top priority for park and fire officials. Trail Ridge Road remains open. About 65 personnel and seven fire engines are at work, on the fire, with more fire suppression assets expected on site later today. An air tanker (SEAT) and heavy helitanker have arrived and are expected to join the fire suppression efforts today. Weather conditions call for high temperatures in the mid-50's, with winds out of the west at 10-20 m.p.h. with gusts up to 35 m.p.h. Twenty-five percent humidity is predicted today for the area of the fire. No rain is forecasted in the area through the end of the week. The fire crews today plan to contain the fire in park boundaries, north of Glacier Creek, west of Hollowell Park and south of Trail Ridge Road. Currently, Bear Lake Road, Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground are closed. Trails west of Bear Lake Road and south of Trail Ridge Road are also closed. Some smoke is visible in Estes Park, but no evacuations of residents of the town are anticipated at this time. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015