Fern Lake Fire Now 30 Percent Contained

The Fern Lake Fire is smoldering in steep, rugged terrain. On the afternoon of Oct 14, a few areas of light, isolated smoke was seen from a helicopter recon flight. (Mouth of Windy Gap.)

News Release Date: October 15, 2012

Contact: Julie Johndreau, 970-586-1363

More than 100 firefighters and crew worked through the weekend to establish containment lines. Their efforts, along with recent precipitation, are leading to progress. The smoldering, 673 acre Fern Lake Fire is now 30% contained.

While crews continue their efforts, investigators are trying to determine how and where this fire ignited. IfyouwereinthevicinityoftheCubLakeTrail and/or theFernLakeTrail anytimebefore2 p.m.October 9, the day the fire was first reported, youmayhave pertinentinformation. Ifyousawanythingunusual or noteworthy,investigators wouldliketotalkwithyou. YoucancontacttheNational Park Servicetoshareyour information at970-586-1399.

The Fern Lake Fire continues to be managed with a full suppression strategy. Top priorities of park management and fire officials include keeping the fire within park boundaries and the safety of visitors and firefighters. In the wake of reduced fire activity and increased fire containment, some firefighting resources and crews were released Sunday. More resources are expected to be released today. Two fire engines, 98 personnel, and one light helicopter are currently assigned to the fire. These crews will continue to patrol and scout the area. Increasingly gusty winds are expected in the coming days, and minimal fire spread is possible.

Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground are closed. Bear Lake Road has reopened, but Fern Lake Road is still closed. To ensure visitor safety and to protect park resources, all trails and areas accessed from north and west (right side) of Bear Lake Road remain closed, including the Cub Lake Trail, Fern Lake Trail, Hollowell Park Trail, Bierstadt Trail, Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trail, and all trails south of Trail Ridge Road, including Ute Trail. Flattop Trail is open, but access is closed to Fern Lake and Bierstadt trails. Hikers may still access Nymph, Emerald and Dream lakes. Three to five foot snow drifts have temporarily closed Trail Ridge Road at Many Parks Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side.  

Violation of any closure notice will result in citation and fine up to $500.

Additional fire information can be found at www.inciweb.org, or by call [phone]. Fire photos are available for download.