On the map above we show the large wildfires in Colorado that are still active. The three southernmost are still spreading, while the Bull Gulch, Lime Gulch, and Wild Rose Fires have been relatively quiet for the last day or two. The acres burned are also shown.
The Papoose and West Fork fires have now been combined into the “West Fork Complex”. We have more information about the West Fork Complex and the East Peak Fire.
Bill,
We are planning our Honeymoon starting the 6th of July. Plan to be around Steamboat Springs but then taking 13 south to 70 and then south on the Million Dollar Highway to Four Corners eventually. Should I be making alternative plans?
Looks like there is a pretty big group of fires down in the Durango area. Please advise! Thanks,
Paul
More of a question than comment. We have high school church camp backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park . They are base camping out of Moraine Valley campground. It does not appear they are in danger from fires but could someone with more local knowledge let us parents in Indiana know if any danger please? They are “unplugged” from media for week 6/22-6/27. (Except leaders). Thank you for any updates. I appreciate your maps of the fires. If there are reliable articles or web sites you could refer me to, I would appreciate it.
Mrs. Fouts,
Check out the Rocky Mountain National Park webpage. (www.nps.gov/romo). Right from the homepage, you’ll the link for info on fires in the park.
The Big Meadow fire in Rocky, while not fully contained, is nearly buttoned up, as we’d say. Bottom line: this fire’s not going to affect your folks in the backcountry.
You should also know that if new fires start in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain NP (or any NP), rangers will quickly access the database of backcountry permits. These permits, while a burden to some folks, are a critical component of backcountry evacuations, should they become necessary. So, assuming you’re folks are traveling on an approved backcoutry permit, the NPS will know where they are, roughly, based on the permit itinerary. They’ll be able to get word to these folks within a matter of hours should they need to get evacuated outta there.
And finally, you should also know that there are many places in the high country of Rocky Mountain NP that are fantastic “safety zones.” These are places where firefighters, or hikers, could retreat to in the event of an approaching fire. So, if helicopter evac wasn’t an option for your folks, the NPS might well drop a “message in a bottle” from an overhead helicopter, directing the concerned party to a safety zone, which could easily serve as a helispot as well.
Rest easy, Mrs. Fouts. The entire state of Colorado is NOT on fire!
We have family in the Creede area and would like an update
The main article for the West Fork Complex is HERE which includes information about the proximity of the fire to Creede.