COLORADO – On Wednesday, July 23rd, staff at Rocky Mountain National Park received a report of a possible lightning strike fire visible from Rainbow Curve on the park’s east side.
Managers confirmed the small white plume in a remote, steep location in the Lawn Lake area about ¼ mile below the treeline. Early on Thursday morning, park fire staff hiked to the area and reached the fire.
The “Roaring River Fire” is currently just a single smoldering tree burning around .01 acres. It’s located south of the Lawn Lake area. Park staff accessed the fire with plans to contain it.
As a reminder, Rocky Mountain National Park always has active Stage 1 fire restrictions meaning campfires are banned except inside designated campfire rings. Those rings can be found in picnic areas and drive-in campgrounds. Portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves are also allowed. Fireworks are never allowed inside the park.
Never leave campfires unattended and make sure to use the drown and stir method to put out flames when you’re done. Pour water on the fire and use a shovel or stick to stir the coals, repeating until the coals are cool to the touch.
