Continued Moderate Activity Expected on the Fern Lake Fire

Date: October 22, 2012
Contact: Patricia Bean, 970-586-1363

 Estes Park, CO - Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol the Fern Lake Fire. As predicted, the past several days of strong, gusty winds have caused increased fire activity. Resulting smoke has been noticeable and the fire will continue to have visible smoke until a heavy snow extinguishes it.

Last night, an infrared flight mapped the fire at 792 acres. The fire grew by 102 acres on Sunday, primarily on the west side into Forest Canyon and is not threatening any structures. Firefighters will use the data from the flight to inform their ongoing full suppression strategy on the fire.

The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with beetle killed trees making it too dangerous for firefighters to conduct a direct attack. Firefighters are closely watching fire behavior and weather. There is a plan in place so that fire managers can take quick action to ensure firefighter and visitor safety and to keep the fire within park boundaries. If necessary, firefighters can conduct a burn-out operation between the contingency line in Upper Beaver Meadows and the active fire.

The Moraine Park Campground is open. A reduced area closure is still in effect. This closure will be in effect for the duration of the Fern Lake Fire. Please obey all closure notices. Violating the terms of these fire restrictions is subject to criminal prosecution. Cub Lake Trail, Fern Lake Trail, and Fern Lake access road (beyond the winter parking) are closed. All access to the Ute Trail is closed, including from Upper Beaver Meadows. Lower Odessa Gorge (north of Odessa Lake) is closed to all use. You will not be able to hike north of Odessa Lake. Other trails leading into the fire area are closed and are posted.

Additional information about this fire can be found at www.inciweb.org, or by calling
[phone]. New information will be released as it becomes available.

--NPS-