Light rain and snow fell on the Fern Lake Fire yesterday aiding the firefighters’ efforts. The fire has grown to 673 acres and is 5 percent contained. The extended weather forecast is for a warming and drying trend which could increase fire activity.
Update: Ongoing coverage of the Fern Lake Fire can be found here.
The Fern Lake Fire, located west of Fern Lake Trailhead, is burning in steep, rugged terrain that includes beetle-kill trees which prohibit direct attack by firefighters on the ground.
There are 144 personnel battling the blaze. Rocky Mountain National Park Officials report firefighters have had success establishing contingency firelines on the north and east sides of the blaze using hiking trails and rocky ridges. Firefighters will continue to patrol and scout the fire perimeter and work toward containment.
Area Closure Information:
Upper Beaver Meadows Road Moraine Park Campground and Fern Lake Road are closed.
Bear Lake Road has reopened, but all park trails and areas accessed from north and west of Bear Lake Road are closed. This includes the Cub Lake Trail, the Fern Lake Trail, Hollowell Park Trail, Bierstadt Trail and Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trail.
Due to inclement weather and poor driving conditions, Trail Ridge Road is temporarily closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side.
