Fern Lake Fire Jumps Sruce Creek, More Fire Resources Ordered

Many of us are singing the praises of the sunshine and near 60 degree weather in Colorado this week. However, the dry, warm temperatures are not good for crews still battling the Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Red flag conditions led to more smoke visible along the front range and the fire has jumped Spruce Creek.

According to NPS.gov, the Fern Lake Fire is burning actively in an area full of beetle-kill and terrain that limits how firefighters can attack it. Gusty winds have limited use of the helitanker and other air suuport as well.

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.

You can get more details from the National Park Service or Inciweb.

I don't think many of us think of wildfires in November in December, but that is exactly what is burning right now. Fingers crossed for a nice big high-country snowstorm to blow in soon and put that thing out!

Sadly, the forecast call for a 0% chance of moisture over the next 7 days. Do'h!

Picture from Rocky Mountain National Park, Picasa.