Small Fire In Remote Location of Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: October 2, 2011
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

At 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, park dispatch was notified of a smoke report in the West Creek area of Rocky Mountain National Park. The West Creek area is a remote area of the park west of Glen Haven and north of Estes Park. The fire is 1/2 mile east of last year's Cow Creek Fire.  Park fire managers flew over the area late yesterday and estimated the fire to be approximately 1 acre.       

This morning, four members of the park's fire crew, two Pike National Forest Helitack members, and the park's Fire Manager Officer, were flown to a remote landing area to assess the fire. They are being assisted by the US Forest Service Monument helicopter and associated crew. Also joining the crew is a paramedic with the Lafayette Fire Department. There is sparse and minimal fuel material at the location of the fire, so it is not expected to spread. Current mapping shows the fire to be less than 1/2 acre. The fire was started by lightning when a storm moved through this area yesterday afternoon. Four members of the crew are expected to spend the night in the area to continue to monitor the fire.      

Smoke was visible yesterday afternoon from homes east of the fire but has not been visible today. Wind conditions this afternoon may increase the potential for more visible smoke. Because of its remote location there are no impacts on roads or trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is open and busy with visitors enjoying fall colors, the elk rut and mild weather.