News Release

Lighting Strike Tree Causes Small Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park

Lightning strike causes fire west of Holzwarth Historic Site on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Courtesy RMNP

News Release Date: July 3, 2025

Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer

Contact: Park Information Office, [phone]

At approximately 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025 park rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park received reports from visitors that smoke was visible from Timber Creek Campground and the Baker Gulch areas of the park. RMNP park staff began to investigate for a potential fire start. RMNP fire management staff confirmed that the smoke was coming from a lightning strike within the park. NPS and Grand Lake Firefighters were on scene last night. No values are at risk. The Baker Gulch Fire is currently 0.10 acres and is located north and west of the Holzwarth Historic Site along the east side of the Grand Ditch. It is contained and controlled.   

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, which means that campfires are prohibited except within designated campfire rings inside picnic areas and drive-in campgrounds. The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed.    

Fireworks are always prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.   

Use caution and vigilance when having a fire. Never leave a campfire unattended. When done with a fire, use the drown and stir method to put it out. Pour water on the fire, use a shovel or stick to stir the coals, add more water and repeat until the coals are cool to touch.