Updates from Thursday's developments with the Fern Lake Fire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Update 10:10 a.m. Friday October 12th: The Fern Lake Fire is currently 0% contained and has burned 660 acres. Updates for Friday have moved to this post.
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Currently, Bear Lake Road, Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground are closed. All park trails accessed from Bear Lake Road and Highway 66 have been closed, in addition to trails south of Trail Ridge Road including the Ute Trail.
Trail Ridge Road remains open.
2:52 p.m. The Fern Lake Fire is now estimated at 660 acres with 0% containment. Rocky Mountain National Park officials report that changes in the fire’s behavior have been minimal today.
10 a.m. Crews are continuing to battle a 400-acre wildfire that started Tuesday on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
At risk are Moraine Park Campground, Fern Lake Trail and several summer cabins. The fire is far enough away from residences and Estes Park that it has not yet prompted evacuations.
According to a press release, the Fern Lake Fire is being managed with a “full suppression strategy” and is burning in rugged terrain that includes beetle-killed trees. Those trees are inhibiting firefighters’ ability to directly attack the fire from the ground.
Wind has also been an issue for air crews. Gusty conditions grounded a heavy helitanker Wednesday.
Weather conditions are expected to be more favorable for fire crews later today when a cold front will move through Estes Park. Rain could come to the area as soon as Friday.
Right now Bear Lake Road, Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground are closed. Trails west of Bear Lake Road and south of Trail Ridge Road are also closed.
Trails west of Bear Lake Road and south of Trail Ridge Road are closed as a result of the fire. Smoke and open fires are prohibited right now in the backcountry.
Call 970-586-1381 for fire updates or click here to read the latest on the Fern Lake Fire.
You can follow Grace Hood on Twitter: @GraceHood
