Update on Fern Lake Fire - Progress Being Made

Fern Lake Fire Stats:

Date started: October 9, 2012
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park Size: 3,486 acres (Current estimate due to better mapping)
Percent Contained: 40%
Cause: Under Investigation
Structures threatened: 750
Structures lost: 1
Injuries to Date: None
Cost to Date: $4 million
Number of Personnel: 608
Crews:16 (a crew is 20 firefighters)
Engines: 45
Water Tenders: 5
Helicopters: 5

Update on Conditions:

Cooler temperatures with the possibility of rain and snow should help firefighters on the Fern Lake Fire today, but because of long-term drought conditions, significant precipitation will be needed to moderate fire behavior.

On the southern perimeter of the fire, numerous crews are working to complete a portion of the containment line in the saddle between Steep Mountain and Mount Wuh.

A steep canyon, or "notch," to the west of Steep Mountain continues to act like a chimney, pulling fire to its top. Crews are waiting for fire to burn out the heavy fuels in the canyon, allowing them to engage the fire in a safer location.

Resources on the northern perimeter of the fire are expected to be reduced today and the area downgraded to patrol status. Mechanical fuels treatment will continue along Bear Lake Road.

Because of the reduced threat of fire and the return of some evacuated residents, seven engines were released this morning.

Suppressing the fire within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park and protecting the community remains a top priority for fire managers, along with providing for firefighter and public safety.

A Colorado Army National Guard helicopter and crew remain on standby for rescue operations on the Fern Lake Fire. A UH-60 Black Hawk, with a crew of four soldiers and a medic, are based at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., ready to respond from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

For the latest updates on the fire, closings and community meetings, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com