Early on Sunday afternoon, August 17th, Rocky Mountain National Park fire crews responded to a small wildfire in the Lumpy Ridge area of the park. The Estes Valley Fire Protection District also provided resources for the response.
Twin Owl Wildfire in Lumpy Ridge
When crews first responded, the wildfire, named the Twin Owl Fire, was just about 1/10th of an acre in size. The National Park warned that smoke may be visible from the town of Estes Park. A few hours later, the park fire crews had successfully managed a containment line around the fire. At that point it had grown to about 3/10ths of an acre.
Once crews constructed the containment line, they began mop up operations. These included extinguishing any remaining heat or burning material around the wildfire perimeter. On Monday, August 18th, fire crews continued operations including the extinguishing of any remaining burning material.
Fire managers worked with a Douglas County Type 2 helicopter to bring water bags to the crews on the fire. Helicopter operations were set to continue throughout Monday morning. The small fire is burning in an area surrounded by rock. The cause of the fire was lightning.
Rocky Mountain National Park Fire Information
Campfires are always restricted in Rocky Mountain National Park except in designated campfire rings in picnic areas and frontcountry campgrounds. Fires, including grills and charcoal briquettes, can only be lit in designated areas where a metal fire ring or grate is provided. Currently Rocky Mountain National Park is under a Red Flag Warning.
About Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles feature stunning alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Over 300 miles of hiking trails spread throughout the park, offering visitors incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. 67 mammal species are native to the area, though humans removed grizzly bears, gray wolves and bison in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors to the park can encounter everything from massive elk and moose to marmots and tiny pikas.
