Fern Lake Fire Activity Remains Low Over the Weekend

Date: October 29, 2012
Contact: Patricia Bean, 970-586-1363

Estes Park, CO - Conditions on the Fern Lake Fire continued to dry with the warmer weather over the weekend. As the snow melts, pockets of smoke are likely to reappear. Late Sunday afternoon, firefighters monitoring the fire reported two small puffs of smoke for a brief time.

Fire managers expect the fire to continue smoldering and creeping in areas that were protected from the moisture from last week's snows. The fire's size is holding at 1030 acres.

The forecast for the area is for mild and warming temperatures for the week. Fire managers expect to continue active monitoring, suppression as needed, and mop-up through the week until the fire is completely out.

The slowing of fire activity has allowed for the demobilization of additional firefighters. Additional resources will be ordered should fire activity increase significantly.  

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.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Additional information about this fire can be found at www.inciweb.org, or by calling [phone]. This will be the last regular news release unless conditions change.