Burning since Tuesday, Oct 9th, the Fern Lake Fire continues to smolder. Despite high winds, park rangers say fire activity remains low with some ‘creeping and some open flame observed.’
65 personnel continue to work the blaze which has burned 673 acres, and the National Incident Management Organization has transferred management of the fire back to local command. It remains 30% contained.
Firefighters plan to continue monitoring weather, and prepare for a possible ‘burnout operation’ using contingency lines in upper Beaver Meadow.
According to a release from park rangers, Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground remain closed. Bear Lake road is now opened, but Fern Lake Road is 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.
Smoking and open fires in the backcountry of the park is still prohibited, and violation of any closure notice will result in a fine of up to $500.
Park rangers are asking the public who may have been in the area of the fire ‘anytime before 2 p.m. October 9th’ and saw anything ‘unusual or noteworthy’ to contact the National Park Service at 970-586-1399.
