Last month Rocky Mountain National Park published a short video on last year's Fern Lake Fire.
The Fern Lake Fire started in the park on October 9, 2012, and was one of the largest fires park lands have seen in the last 100 years. This unprecedented winter fire burned 3,500 acres. This short video provides a timeline of the event and how crews were able to stop this human-caused fire from exceeding park boundaries:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Showing posts with label Fern Lake Fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fern Lake Fire. Show all posts
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Fern Lake Fire Officially Called Out
Rocky Mountain National Park officials announced yesterday that the Fern Lake Fire is no longer burning.
An infrared flight over Forest Canyon in Rocky Mountain National Park confirmed that the wildfire is officially out. The fire started as a result of an illegal campfire on October 9, 2012, in steep and rugged Forest Canyon. Firefighters from across the country battled the fire for two months. Park fire managers knew from the beginning this fire was going to be a long-term event. There was limited opportunity to fight the fire directly because of high winds, steep terrain, and beetle-killed trees.
On the night of November 30, and the early morning of December 1, strong winds pushed the fire more than three miles in thirty-five minutes, prompting evacuation orders. Through careful planning and rapid action, firefighters successfully prevented the fire from progressing across Bear Lake Road and leaving the park. The nearly 3,500 acre blaze was temporarily halted by an early December snowstorm. The last time smoke was seen on the Fern Lake Fire was January 7.
This high-elevation winter fire was unprecedented in park history. Large fires in high elevations of the Rocky Mountains are different from many other areas of the country. They are infrequent and have the potential for high consequences. Largely inaccessible, Forest Canyon had been untouched by fire for at least 800 years. A long-term drought had left fuels tinder-dry in a dead and down fuel layer that in some areas exceeds twenty feet deep. Mountain pine beetles had killed half the trees in the canyon, with every compromised tree posing a hazard for firefighters. The typically windy conditions in the canyon only increased the danger.
Although the Fern Lake Fire has been called out, the Big Meadows Fire on the west side of the park is still active. It started on June 10 from lightning, and is 95 percent contained. It is expected to be active throughout the summer in a remote area consisting of steep, rugged terrain with over 80 percent beetle-killed trees.
Wildfire experts expect these types of fires to continue at this level unless conditions change. Continued drought will intensify the number of fires in our forests. The trend indicates larger and more rapidly spreading fires. The number of acres burned nationally has been at historic highs for six of the last nine years. There is no indication that this trend will reverse soon.
These fires serve as a reminder that our surrounding communities exist in a fire adapted ecosystem. The best thing we can do to prepare our homes for wildfire and to keep our firefighters safe is to utilize FireWise concepts. Go to FireWise.org for assistance or contact your local fire department. We should also prepare ourselves and our families for possible evacuation by pre-planning and preparing what we will take when we have to leave. Visit Ready.gov for further information. Register all phones and email addresses for emergency notifications through your county emergency communications system. Connect with friends and neighbors to be each other's backup plan in case there are technical difficulties with phone systems and evacuation orders.
With the increased hazards due to beetle-killed forests, firefighter tactics have become more indirect to ensure their safety. As firefighting resources diminish across the country we will need to be increasingly mindful of preparedness in our communities and safe practices when fighting fires in the park.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
An infrared flight over Forest Canyon in Rocky Mountain National Park confirmed that the wildfire is officially out. The fire started as a result of an illegal campfire on October 9, 2012, in steep and rugged Forest Canyon. Firefighters from across the country battled the fire for two months. Park fire managers knew from the beginning this fire was going to be a long-term event. There was limited opportunity to fight the fire directly because of high winds, steep terrain, and beetle-killed trees.
This high-elevation winter fire was unprecedented in park history. Large fires in high elevations of the Rocky Mountains are different from many other areas of the country. They are infrequent and have the potential for high consequences. Largely inaccessible, Forest Canyon had been untouched by fire for at least 800 years. A long-term drought had left fuels tinder-dry in a dead and down fuel layer that in some areas exceeds twenty feet deep. Mountain pine beetles had killed half the trees in the canyon, with every compromised tree posing a hazard for firefighters. The typically windy conditions in the canyon only increased the danger.
Although the Fern Lake Fire has been called out, the Big Meadows Fire on the west side of the park is still active. It started on June 10 from lightning, and is 95 percent contained. It is expected to be active throughout the summer in a remote area consisting of steep, rugged terrain with over 80 percent beetle-killed trees.
Wildfire experts expect these types of fires to continue at this level unless conditions change. Continued drought will intensify the number of fires in our forests. The trend indicates larger and more rapidly spreading fires. The number of acres burned nationally has been at historic highs for six of the last nine years. There is no indication that this trend will reverse soon.
These fires serve as a reminder that our surrounding communities exist in a fire adapted ecosystem. The best thing we can do to prepare our homes for wildfire and to keep our firefighters safe is to utilize FireWise concepts. Go to FireWise.org for assistance or contact your local fire department. We should also prepare ourselves and our families for possible evacuation by pre-planning and preparing what we will take when we have to leave. Visit Ready.gov for further information. Register all phones and email addresses for emergency notifications through your county emergency communications system. Connect with friends and neighbors to be each other's backup plan in case there are technical difficulties with phone systems and evacuation orders.
With the increased hazards due to beetle-killed forests, firefighter tactics have become more indirect to ensure their safety. As firefighting resources diminish across the country we will need to be increasingly mindful of preparedness in our communities and safe practices when fighting fires in the park.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Fern Lake Fire - One of the largest in Colorado history
With the arrival of several inches of snow in Rocky Mountain National Park over the last couple of days, it's a pretty safe bet to say that the Fern Lake Fire has been extinguished.
The fire that began as a result of an illegal campfire on October 9th has burned 3498 acres in the lower Forest Canyon, Cub Lake and Moraine Park areas, making it the largest wildfire in Rocky Mountain National Park history. According to an Examiner.com article from June, the Fern Lake Fire would be ranked as the 30th largest wildfire in Colorado history.
The 2002 Hayman Fire ranks as the largest fire in state history. That blaze burned 137,760 acres southwest of Denver, and resulted in 5 deaths, 16 injuries and 600 structures destroyed.
The High Park Fire (Larimer County) in June of this year is considered to be the second largest fire in state history. That fire burned 87,284 acres, killed 1 person, and destroyed 259 homes.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The 2002 Hayman Fire ranks as the largest fire in state history. That blaze burned 137,760 acres southwest of Denver, and resulted in 5 deaths, 16 injuries and 600 structures destroyed.
The High Park Fire (Larimer County) in June of this year is considered to be the second largest fire in state history. That fire burned 87,284 acres, killed 1 person, and destroyed 259 homes.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Fern Lake Fire Update
Firefighters kept a watchful eye on the Fern Lake Fire last night, which remained quiet on the perimeter with some tree torching in insulated canyons where remaining heavy fuels continue to burn out. The focus for today is the Steep Mountain area, specifically the fireline from the Mill Creek Trail to the west of Steep Mountain, then east to the junction of the Moraine Park Trail and the Cub Lake Trail. Numerous spots are still causing concerns. Multiple handcrews will be working along this fireline, extinguishing spots which could become issues during continued wind events. Crews are also preparing structures in the area. Feller bunchers are being used to reduce fuel loading along the Bear Lake Road.
The north perimeter of the fire is in mop up status, with crews and engines working into the fire area at various distances which minimize the potential spread or spotting. Any hazards which interfere with access, or pose an immediate hazard to firefighters or the public are being mitigated.
Air assets will be used today as needed based on wind and weather conditions. An additional helicopter will arrive today, providing additional capabilities.
So far the fire has remained within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. To date, the fire has burned 3,477 acres. Here is the latest map showing the boundaries of the fire:
RMNP Closures:
Highway 36 to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park opened at 9 a.m., Wednesday. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center opened to the public at 9 a.m., although the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park via Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance will remain closed. Fall River Visitor Center will go to its normal winter hours and will be closed on Wednesday. For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park's Information Office at 970-586-1206.
Some Evacuees Allowed to Return to Homes:
Evacuated residents in the Highway 66 area from Highway 36 up to and including Aspen Brook Drive were allowed to return home Wednesday morning, Dec.5, at 9 a.m. This area will remain in pre-evacuation notice for the near future. Between 9 a.m. and noon only residents and business owners are allowed into this area with identification. After noon, the area will be open to the public.
Officials also announced tentative plans to allow the remaining evacuees in the Highway 66 corridor to return home on Friday morning, Dec. 7. These plans are only tentative and could change based on fire and weather conditions, so no further announcements regarding the possible lifting of evacuation status for this area will be made until Thursday, Dec. 6.
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
The north perimeter of the fire is in mop up status, with crews and engines working into the fire area at various distances which minimize the potential spread or spotting. Any hazards which interfere with access, or pose an immediate hazard to firefighters or the public are being mitigated.
Air assets will be used today as needed based on wind and weather conditions. An additional helicopter will arrive today, providing additional capabilities.
So far the fire has remained within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. To date, the fire has burned 3,477 acres. Here is the latest map showing the boundaries of the fire:
RMNP Closures:
Highway 36 to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park opened at 9 a.m., Wednesday. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center opened to the public at 9 a.m., although the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park via Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance will remain closed. Fall River Visitor Center will go to its normal winter hours and will be closed on Wednesday. For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park's Information Office at 970-586-1206.
Some Evacuees Allowed to Return to Homes:
Evacuated residents in the Highway 66 area from Highway 36 up to and including Aspen Brook Drive were allowed to return home Wednesday morning, Dec.5, at 9 a.m. This area will remain in pre-evacuation notice for the near future. Between 9 a.m. and noon only residents and business owners are allowed into this area with identification. After noon, the area will be open to the public.
Officials also announced tentative plans to allow the remaining evacuees in the Highway 66 corridor to return home on Friday morning, Dec. 7. These plans are only tentative and could change based on fire and weather conditions, so no further announcements regarding the possible lifting of evacuation status for this area will be made until Thursday, Dec. 6.
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
Monday, December 3, 2012
Despite high winds, fire contained within Park boundaries
Due to the hard work of firefighters, high winds in the Fern Lake Fire area did not cause the fire to spread any closer to Estes Park, and it is still contained within Rocky Mountain National Park boundaries. Approximately 150 firefighters and 19 engines worked on the Fern Lake Fire overnight. Spot fires continue to burn in the Steep Mountain area and crews continue working to keep it from moving further to the south. Structure protection crews are still stationed along Bear Lake Road to try to keep the fire within the park.
The fire management team is optimistic about the fire after fire lines held last night in spite of heavy winds. Forecasted weather conditions are also favorable with cooler temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s and lighter winds for today. Calm winds are expected tonight. Today an air tanker is available and will help support firefighting efforts if wind conditions allow. Helitankers will also fly if winds allow.
Approximately 250 personnel are currently working on the fire and more resources are on the way. No injuries have been reported. Only one private cabin is confirmed lost in Moraine Park, within the park. The fire is approximately 4,400 acres and if weather conditions allow, there will be an infrared flight to map and estimate the fire size more accurately today. The last containment estimate for the fire is 20 percent.
Here's photo of Moraine Park by Justin Smith that was published on the InciWeb website:
For visitors, you may want to note that the Fall River Visitor Center will be open all week from 9am-4pm.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The fire management team is optimistic about the fire after fire lines held last night in spite of heavy winds. Forecasted weather conditions are also favorable with cooler temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s and lighter winds for today. Calm winds are expected tonight. Today an air tanker is available and will help support firefighting efforts if wind conditions allow. Helitankers will also fly if winds allow.
Approximately 250 personnel are currently working on the fire and more resources are on the way. No injuries have been reported. Only one private cabin is confirmed lost in Moraine Park, within the park. The fire is approximately 4,400 acres and if weather conditions allow, there will be an infrared flight to map and estimate the fire size more accurately today. The last containment estimate for the fire is 20 percent.
Here's photo of Moraine Park by Justin Smith that was published on the InciWeb website:
For visitors, you may want to note that the Fall River Visitor Center will be open all week from 9am-4pm.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Fern Lake Fire Update
As a result of the strong winds that blew through Rocky Mountain National Park on Friday night and Saturday morning, the Fern Lake Fire has more than doubled in size. Officials say that the fire spread approximately 3 miles in 35 minutes during the early morning hours of December 1st. The rapid advancement of the blaze forced the evacuation of more than 1000 people.
Here's a photo of Moraine Park by Bjorn Skovlin that was posted on the InciWeb website:
On Friday the fire was mapped at 1515 acres:
As of yesterday it was mapped at 3584 acres, and clearly shows how the fire advanced through the Moraine Park area:
Here's an update, as of last night, from 7News in Denver:
A community and evacuee meeting is scheduled for 5 pm today at the Town Hall board room, 170 MacGregor Avenue. This meeting will be live streamed at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings and broadcast live on local cable channel 12.
There is also a Red Flag warning today.
For visitors, you may want to note that the Fall River Visitor Center will be open all week from 9am-4pm.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Here's a photo of Moraine Park by Bjorn Skovlin that was posted on the InciWeb website:
On Friday the fire was mapped at 1515 acres:
As of yesterday it was mapped at 3584 acres, and clearly shows how the fire advanced through the Moraine Park area:
Here's an update, as of last night, from 7News in Denver:
A community and evacuee meeting is scheduled for 5 pm today at the Town Hall board room, 170 MacGregor Avenue. This meeting will be live streamed at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings and broadcast live on local cable channel 12.
There is also a Red Flag warning today.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DENVER HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM MST MONDAY. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.Based on wind forecasts for this evening, residents should be aware that pre-evacuation and evacuation notices could be expanded. You can sign up for emergency notifications at www.leta911.org.
* AFFECTED AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONES 214...215 AND 216.
* TIMING...WINDS WILL INCREASE THROUGH TODAY ESPECIALLY IN THE AFTERNOON. LOW HUMIDITIES WILL ALSO DEVELOP AS TEMPERATURES CLIMB INTO THE UPPER 40S AND 50S. WINDS WILL BECOME EVEN STRONGER TONIGHT...THOUGH IT WILL BE TURNING COLDER WITH HIGHER HUMIDITIES.
* WINDS...WEST 25 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 65 MPH.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 17 PERCENT.
* IMPACTS...FIRES WILL BE EASIER TO START AND WILL SPREAD MORE QUICKLY UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND UNSEASONABLE WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE RAPID FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.
For visitors, you may want to note that the Fall River Visitor Center will be open all week from 9am-4pm.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Fern Lake Fire more than doubles in size in last 24 hours
Firefighters continue to hold the Fern Lake Fire within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. Mapped at 3,584 acres today, the fire and has more than doubled in size, compared to 1515 acres on Saturday.
The fire spread approximately 3 miles in 35 minutes during the early morning hours of December 1st. One local report stated that "the blaze fueled by winds gusting to 75 mph consumed all of Moraine Park overnight, a mostly grassy area of roughly 600 acres".
There is no estimation of containment at this time. Fire managers are cautiously optimistic regarding management of the fire as winds were not as extreme today as they were overnight. Right now, the majority of Estes Park is unaffected by the fire.
Smoke from the blaze has been impacting the area especially during the evening hours. Approximately 150 personnel are working on the fire and more resources are on the way. Crews will monitor the fire throughout the night. No injuries have been reported. Only one private cabin is confirmed lost in Moraine Park, within Rocky Mountain National Park.
A Type I Incident Management Team will assume responsibility for Fern Lake Fire management on Sunday afternoon. Multiple resources are on order including Hot Shot crews, additional engines, two additional type I helicopters, and all available local resources. Two heavy air tankers are on order however, they were not able to fly today due to the weather conditions in California where they are stationed. Air support assigned to the fire was not used today due to gusty winds. Structure protection is being provided by many local Fire Departments. Cooperating lead agencies are the National Park Service, Larimer County Sheriff's Department, the Town of Estes Park and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park via Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance remains closed. The Fall River Visitor Center, however, is open.
Approximately 1100 contacts for approximately 700 properties were made through reverse notification today. Currently, approximately 681 of those contacts are still evacuated along Hwy 66. The remainder of those contacts have since been reduced to pre-evacuation status. Pre-evacuation means that residents should be prepared to evacuate at any moment.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The fire spread approximately 3 miles in 35 minutes during the early morning hours of December 1st. One local report stated that "the blaze fueled by winds gusting to 75 mph consumed all of Moraine Park overnight, a mostly grassy area of roughly 600 acres".
There is no estimation of containment at this time. Fire managers are cautiously optimistic regarding management of the fire as winds were not as extreme today as they were overnight. Right now, the majority of Estes Park is unaffected by the fire.
Smoke from the blaze has been impacting the area especially during the evening hours. Approximately 150 personnel are working on the fire and more resources are on the way. Crews will monitor the fire throughout the night. No injuries have been reported. Only one private cabin is confirmed lost in Moraine Park, within Rocky Mountain National Park.
A Type I Incident Management Team will assume responsibility for Fern Lake Fire management on Sunday afternoon. Multiple resources are on order including Hot Shot crews, additional engines, two additional type I helicopters, and all available local resources. Two heavy air tankers are on order however, they were not able to fly today due to the weather conditions in California where they are stationed. Air support assigned to the fire was not used today due to gusty winds. Structure protection is being provided by many local Fire Departments. Cooperating lead agencies are the National Park Service, Larimer County Sheriff's Department, the Town of Estes Park and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park via Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance remains closed. The Fall River Visitor Center, however, is open.
Approximately 1100 contacts for approximately 700 properties were made through reverse notification today. Currently, approximately 681 of those contacts are still evacuated along Hwy 66. The remainder of those contacts have since been reduced to pre-evacuation status. Pre-evacuation means that residents should be prepared to evacuate at any moment.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Evacuations for 700+ ordered for Fern Lake Fire near Estes Park
Update as of 1 pm: Firefighters are holding the Fern Lake Fire within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fire managers are cautiously optimistic regarding management of the fire as winds are not as extreme as they were overnight. The priorities for are: Firefighter and public safety Incident stabilization Controlling the fire perimeter keeping the fire from spreading beyond the park boundaries so residents may be allowed to re-enter when it is safe for them to do so. Multiple resources are on order, including a Type I Incident Management team, hot shot crews, additional engines, two additional type I helicopters, and all available local resources.
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Strong winds overnight have pushed the Fern Lake Fire into the Moraine Park area of Rocky Mountain National Park.
As a result, more than 700 people living near Estes Park were ordered to evacuate this morning. According to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, evacuations have been ordered for: Highway 66 and all adjacent streets including the YMCA High Drive; and all adjacent streets on Marys Lake Road up to Moraine Ave and Marys Lake on the West side.
Evacuees were asked to meet at Estes Park High School at 1600 Manford Avenue in Estes Park. Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Estes Park Police Department are facilitating evacuations. The affected public may call 970-498-5500 for more information.
The Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park was also evacuated at 1:50 a.m.
As of 4:00 a.m. this morning, December 1st, the fire had not crossed Bear Lake Road. However, parts of the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is now closed until further notice. The park housing area as well as park headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is also in the evacuation area. Currently, other RMNP areas on the east side are open, including Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin. The Fall River Visitor Center and the west side of the park are currently open.
The higher winds have contributed to increased fire behavior and a spot fire in the southwest corner of the fire, west of the confluence of the Forest and Spruce Canyons. The fire is burning actively and creating additional spot fires from embers that have landed on receptive fuel beds. Increased smoke from the additional fire behavior may be more noticeable. The fire is now estimated to be 1515 acres.
A high wind warning is in effect until 11 a.m. today, which includes west winds of 25-45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph possible.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Strong winds overnight have pushed the Fern Lake Fire into the Moraine Park area of Rocky Mountain National Park.
As a result, more than 700 people living near Estes Park were ordered to evacuate this morning. According to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, evacuations have been ordered for: Highway 66 and all adjacent streets including the YMCA High Drive; and all adjacent streets on Marys Lake Road up to Moraine Ave and Marys Lake on the West side.
Evacuees were asked to meet at Estes Park High School at 1600 Manford Avenue in Estes Park. Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Estes Park Police Department are facilitating evacuations. The affected public may call 970-498-5500 for more information.
The Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park was also evacuated at 1:50 a.m.
As of 4:00 a.m. this morning, December 1st, the fire had not crossed Bear Lake Road. However, parts of the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is now closed until further notice. The park housing area as well as park headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is also in the evacuation area. Currently, other RMNP areas on the east side are open, including Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin. The Fall River Visitor Center and the west side of the park are currently open.
The higher winds have contributed to increased fire behavior and a spot fire in the southwest corner of the fire, west of the confluence of the Forest and Spruce Canyons. The fire is burning actively and creating additional spot fires from embers that have landed on receptive fuel beds. Increased smoke from the additional fire behavior may be more noticeable. The fire is now estimated to be 1515 acres.
A high wind warning is in effect until 11 a.m. today, which includes west winds of 25-45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph possible.
For the latest updates on the fire, visit the Inciweb website. To keep up with the latest weather related developments and forecasts, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, November 30, 2012
Fern Lake Fire Grows to 1500 Acres
Firefighters made progress on about a half mile-stretch of fireline on the southwest side of the fire near the confluence of Spruce and Forest canyons. The crews set up pumps to draw water from Spruce Creek to aid in suppression efforts. They continued "mopping up" spot fires and scouting out where they can build fire line connecting natural barriers to check the spread to the south and east of the current active fire area.
The fire was mapped Wednesday at approximately 1,488 acres, still primarily on the west and southwest side of the fire in Forest Canyon and near the confluence of Forest and Spruce canyons. About 60 personnel are now assigned to the fire, which estimated to be about 40% contained.
The Fern Lake Fire is being managed under a full-suppression strategy. Due to steep terrain, hazard trees and heavy fuel loading, fire managers opted to attack the fire on their terms, when the risk is more acceptable. Fire crews are accessing the fire from the Fern Lake Trail and avoiding areas that have an abundance of hazard trees. Their objective is to keep the fire on the north side of the Spruce Creek Drainage and to suppress any spot fires that ignite to the south or east of the active fire area.
The continued safety of visitors and firefighters and the containment of the fire in the park remain the top priorities of park and fire officials. A fire and smoking ban is in effect until further notice in the backcountry of the park, east of the Continental Divide. Moraine Park Campground remains open and campfires in grates are allowed. Use of fire anywhere in the area should be used with extreme caution. For visitor safety, trails in the immediate area of western Moraine Park and the fire are closed to hikers. This includes Fern Lake Road beyond the winter parking lot, Fern Lake Trail all the way to Lake Helene (by The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake to Helene), the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead to The Pool and the Mill Creek Trail from the Mill Creek Basin campsites to the Cub Lake Trail. Visitors who ignore trail closures will be issued a citation. Trails are posted and physically closed.
Information about the fire will be updated in additional press releases and is also available at InciWeb and by dialing (970) 586-1381, a recorded fire information number. New information about the Fern Lake Fire will be released as it becomes available.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The fire was mapped Wednesday at approximately 1,488 acres, still primarily on the west and southwest side of the fire in Forest Canyon and near the confluence of Forest and Spruce canyons. About 60 personnel are now assigned to the fire, which estimated to be about 40% contained.
The Fern Lake Fire is being managed under a full-suppression strategy. Due to steep terrain, hazard trees and heavy fuel loading, fire managers opted to attack the fire on their terms, when the risk is more acceptable. Fire crews are accessing the fire from the Fern Lake Trail and avoiding areas that have an abundance of hazard trees. Their objective is to keep the fire on the north side of the Spruce Creek Drainage and to suppress any spot fires that ignite to the south or east of the active fire area.
The continued safety of visitors and firefighters and the containment of the fire in the park remain the top priorities of park and fire officials. A fire and smoking ban is in effect until further notice in the backcountry of the park, east of the Continental Divide. Moraine Park Campground remains open and campfires in grates are allowed. Use of fire anywhere in the area should be used with extreme caution. For visitor safety, trails in the immediate area of western Moraine Park and the fire are closed to hikers. This includes Fern Lake Road beyond the winter parking lot, Fern Lake Trail all the way to Lake Helene (by The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake to Helene), the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead to The Pool and the Mill Creek Trail from the Mill Creek Basin campsites to the Cub Lake Trail. Visitors who ignore trail closures will be issued a citation. Trails are posted and physically closed.
Information about the fire will be updated in additional press releases and is also available at InciWeb and by dialing (970) 586-1381, a recorded fire information number. New information about the Fern Lake Fire will be released as it becomes available.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Fern Lake Fire Activity Picks Up Due to Red Flag Conditions
The Fern Lake Fire is burning actively today, due to Red Flag conditions, including strong, gusty winds and single-digit relative humidity. The fire has spotted across Spruce Creek to the southern side, where fire crews are taking action on the ground. High winds have prohibited the use of the helitanker so far today. Smoke is heavier today and is visible from several places along the Front Range.
Due to increased fire activity and no relief in the weather forecast, the fire's incident commander has ordered more resources including a wildland engine and some overhead support.
The Fern Lake Fire, west of Moraine Park, is being managed with a full suppression strategy. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain that includes beetle-killed trees limiting direct attack by firefighters on the ground. It was mapped Saturday at approximately 1,370 acres.
The continued safety of visitors and firefighters and the containment of the fire in the park remain the top priorities of park and fire officials. A fire and smoking ban is in effect until further notice in the backcountry of the park, east of the Continental Divide.
Moraine Park Campground remains open and campfires in grates are allowed. Use of fire anywhere in the area should be used with extreme caution.
For visitor safety, trails in the immediate area of western Moraine Park and the fire are closed to hikers. This includes Fern Lake Road beyond the winter parking lot, Fern Lake Trail all the way to Lake Helene (by The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake to Helene), the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead to The Pool and the Mill Creek Trail from the Mill Creek Basin campsites to the Cub Lake Trail. Visitors who ignore trail closures will be issued a citation. Trails are posted and physically closed.
Information about the fire will be updated in additional press releases and is also available at InciWeb and by dialing (970) 586-1381, a recorded fire information number. New information about the Fern Lake Fire will be released as it becomes available.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The Fern Lake Fire, west of Moraine Park, is being managed with a full suppression strategy. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain that includes beetle-killed trees limiting direct attack by firefighters on the ground. It was mapped Saturday at approximately 1,370 acres.
The continued safety of visitors and firefighters and the containment of the fire in the park remain the top priorities of park and fire officials. A fire and smoking ban is in effect until further notice in the backcountry of the park, east of the Continental Divide.
Moraine Park Campground remains open and campfires in grates are allowed. Use of fire anywhere in the area should be used with extreme caution.
For visitor safety, trails in the immediate area of western Moraine Park and the fire are closed to hikers. This includes Fern Lake Road beyond the winter parking lot, Fern Lake Trail all the way to Lake Helene (by The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake to Helene), the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead to The Pool and the Mill Creek Trail from the Mill Creek Basin campsites to the Cub Lake Trail. Visitors who ignore trail closures will be issued a citation. Trails are posted and physically closed.
Information about the fire will be updated in additional press releases and is also available at InciWeb and by dialing (970) 586-1381, a recorded fire information number. New information about the Fern Lake Fire will be released as it becomes available.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, November 23, 2012
Update on the Fern Lake Fire
Rocky Mountain National Park published this update on the Fern Lake Fire this afternoon:
On Thanksgiving Day the Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park produced smoke that could be seen from the surrounding area. Due to dry and unseasonably warm weather, the fire crept toward Spruce Creek and grew in size to over 1200 acres. While snow lies on north-facing aspects, the fire is occasionally torching trees on steep, dry slopes. Fire managers are monitoring the fire and are planning for any change in fire behavior.
The forecast for the area calls for low humidity, low to moderate temperatures, and gusty winds. More smoke is expected to be seen mid-day today and until the current weather pattern changes. A Type 1 helicopter has been ordered to assist with suppression actions. Additional resources are being put on standby.
A fire and smoking ban is in effect immediately, and until further notice, in the backcountry of the park, east of the Continental Divide.
Moraine Park Campground remains open and campfires in grates are allowed. Use of fire anywhere in the area should be used with extreme caution.
For visitor safety, trails in the immediate area of western Moraine Park and the fire are closed to hikers, once again. This includes Fern Lake Road beyond the winter parking lot, Fern Lake Trail all the way to Lake Helene (by The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake), the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead to The Pool and the Mill Creek Trail from the Mill Creek Basin campsites to the Cub Lake Trail. Visitors who ignore trail closures will be issued a citation. Trails are posted and physically closed.
Suppressing the Fern Lake Fire with firefighters on the ground is extremely unsafe. The terrain is steep, there are numerous hazardous trees that could topple, fuel loads are heavy, and evacuation of an injured firefighter would be extremely difficult. Fire managers have and will actively manage portions of the fire, while opting to ensure fire fighter safety and wait for winter conditions to stop the fire spread and eventually put it out.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
On Thanksgiving Day the Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park produced smoke that could be seen from the surrounding area. Due to dry and unseasonably warm weather, the fire crept toward Spruce Creek and grew in size to over 1200 acres. While snow lies on north-facing aspects, the fire is occasionally torching trees on steep, dry slopes. Fire managers are monitoring the fire and are planning for any change in fire behavior.
The forecast for the area calls for low humidity, low to moderate temperatures, and gusty winds. More smoke is expected to be seen mid-day today and until the current weather pattern changes. A Type 1 helicopter has been ordered to assist with suppression actions. Additional resources are being put on standby.
A fire and smoking ban is in effect immediately, and until further notice, in the backcountry of the park, east of the Continental Divide.
Moraine Park Campground remains open and campfires in grates are allowed. Use of fire anywhere in the area should be used with extreme caution.
For visitor safety, trails in the immediate area of western Moraine Park and the fire are closed to hikers, once again. This includes Fern Lake Road beyond the winter parking lot, Fern Lake Trail all the way to Lake Helene (by The Pool, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake), the Cub Lake Trail from the trailhead to The Pool and the Mill Creek Trail from the Mill Creek Basin campsites to the Cub Lake Trail. Visitors who ignore trail closures will be issued a citation. Trails are posted and physically closed.
Suppressing the Fern Lake Fire with firefighters on the ground is extremely unsafe. The terrain is steep, there are numerous hazardous trees that could topple, fuel loads are heavy, and evacuation of an injured firefighter would be extremely difficult. Fire managers have and will actively manage portions of the fire, while opting to ensure fire fighter safety and wait for winter conditions to stop the fire spread and eventually put it out.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, November 9, 2012
Smoke Will Again Be Visible From The Fern Lake Fire
As expected yesterday with higher temperatures and low humidity, fire activity increased on the Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park. Winds remained too high to complete any bucket drops with the Type 1 helicopter that arrived in the park on Tuesday afternoon. Most of the fire activity was in the bottom of Forest Canyon along the west flank. Today with similar temperatures fire managers are expecting smoke like yesterday.
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 and putting up smoke until a significant snow event assists with firefighting efforts. The forecasted moisture for this weekend is not expected to accomplish this. The fire size is currently 1096 acres and is 30 percent contained. 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.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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 and putting up smoke until a significant snow event assists with firefighting efforts. The forecasted moisture for this weekend is not expected to accomplish this. The fire size is currently 1096 acres and is 30 percent contained. 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.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Sunday, November 4, 2012
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
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
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