Weekend efforts from fire crews and air operations have resulted in good progress on the two fires burning in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is believed that both fires started on Thursday, Aug. 30, when a storm with lightning activity moved through the park. Fire managers made the decision to suppress both fires due to heavy dry fuel loads in the areas and the potential for extreme fire growth. Additionally, at the time of ignition, the country’s fire programs were in National Planning Level 5 which means that the nation’s fire resources are stretched thin and may not be available should the fires grow.
The Forest Canyon Fire is 6 acres and 80 percent contained. It is burning below Trail Ridge Road between Rock Cut and Forest Canyon Overlook. This area of Forest Canyon has not burned in the last 800 years. Over the weekend, fire crews were assisted by a Type 1 Chinook helicopter which dropped water on the lower section of the fire bordering Forest Canyon.
The Mirror Fire is located in the remote northern section of the park and is considered controlled. This fire is approximately one tenth of an acre. Ground crews assisted by helicopter water drops were successful in their efforts and were pulled from the fire this afternoon. Fire crews are actively monitoring the fire through aerial surveillance and weather monitoring
Trail and backcountry campsite closures have been lifted from the Mirror Lake area and Upper Beaver Meadows Road has reopened. Trail Ridge Road remains open, though smoke might be visible due to the Forest Canyon Fire.
Rocky Mountain National Park fire crews were assisted by a number of cooperating agencies on these fires: Boulder City Fire, Boulder County Fire, Estes Valley Fire Protection District, Grand Lake Fire Protection District, Mesa Verde National Park and the U.S. Forest Service.
Tags: rocky mountain national park
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
