Smoke from the Fern Lake Fire was easily seen from the Ute Trail. (Walt Hester)
Smoke from a fire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park Tuesday evening, Oct. 9, blots out the sun from the vantage point near Deer Mtn. Junction. (Walt Hester)
A wildfire burned approximately 300 acres west of the Fern Lake trailhead Tuesday afternoon. The fire was reported around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9. It was approximately 2 miles west of Fern Lake trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The fire was west of Moraine Park which is bisected by the Bear Lake Road. As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the fire was reported to be 300 acres and burning to the north in steep, forested terrain. The fire was burning up-slope toward alpine tundra. There are no structures threatened.
Park personnel were on scene and additional fire personnel and air support were called in. Due to steep, inaccessible terrain, crews were not e put onthe fire line Tuesday night.
Smoke from a fire burning in the Cub Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park Tuesday afternoon obscures the afternoon sun. (Walt Hester)
Fire personnel remained at the fire and monitored activity throughout the night. Fire crews and engines are on order and one crew was expected to arrive Tuesday night.
Bear Lake Road, Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground were closed. The campground was evacuated along with backcountry campsites and trails in the area of the fire. Trail Ridge Road, highway 34, remained open.
Trails west of Bear Lake Road and south of Trail Ridge Road were closed.
There have been no evacuations of residents in the Estes Park area, though heavy smoke drifting over Estes Park caused considerable concern. A fire information number has been set up with a recorded message and will be updated as conditions change.
The number is 970-586-1381
An air tanker (SEAT) and heavy helitanker arrived Tuesday, but due to cloudy and turbulent conditions they are unable to fly.
The fire was very active Tuesday afternoon, it was expected that fire activity would decrease as night approached.
Smoke from a fire burning Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 9, in Rocky Mountain National Park as seen from the Beaver Meadows entrance. The fire is burning in the Cub Lake area of the park. (John Cordsen)
Smoke from a fire burning near Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park dominates the skyline south of Many Parks Curve on Trail Ridge Road. (Walt Hester)