Fern Lake Fire Activity Remains Low Some Closures Have Been Lifted

As expected with current dry conditions, the Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park continues to smolder in a remote area of the park. A few smokes showed on the east side of the fire yesterday and there was drift smoke in Forest Canyon seen from The Pool. Due to calmer winds yesterday, a crew of eight fire fighters mopped up some smoldering duff on the eastern edge of the fire. With continued drying, fire managers expect the fire to become a little more active and produce more visible smoke.

A reduced area closure is still in effect. Some parts of the closure area have been lifted. The Cub Lake Trail is now open, but the trail west of Cub Lake leading to The Pool is still closed. Fern Lake and Spruce Lake are now open but can only be accessed from the Bear Lake Trailhead.

Lower Fern Lake Trail from Moraine Park to the Fern Lake/Spruce Lake trail junction, including the areas known as The Pool and Fern Falls are closed. The Fern Lake Road (beyond the winter parking) is closed. All access to the Ute Trail is closed, including from Upper Beaver Meadows. The Beaver Mountain Trail is closed. Other trails leading into the fire area are closed and are posted. This closure will be in effect for the duration of the Fern Lake Fire. Violating the terms of these closures is subject to criminal prosecution.

Fire managers expect the fire to continue smoldering and creeping. The fire's size is holding at 1030 acres.

The forecast for the area is for mild and warm temperatures. Fire managers expect to continue active monitoring, suppression as needed, and mop-up until the fire is completely out.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Information about this fire can be found at www.inciweb.org, or by calling (970) 586-1381. News releases on the Fern Lake Fire will only occur when conditions change.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com