This post was updated on November 16 at 9:20 am

11/15 Update at 6:25 pm

From: Larimer County Sheriff’s Office

11/15 Update at 9 am

Acres:                      208,913

Containment:        92%

Date Started:         August 13, 2020

Cause:                     Under Investigation

Personnel:              415

Yesterday, the blizzard like conditions in the northern portion of the fire nearly halted all suppression repair efforts on the ground. This provided crews an opportunity to update GPS data and plan for coordinated efforts in the upcoming weeks when the incident management team transitions. In the Red Feather Lakes area, crews pre-positioned heavy equipment to begin future work. The southeast section of the fire area near Masonville experienced better weather conditions and crews were able to utilize dozers for repair work near Bobcat Ridge. In areas west of Pingree Park and the CSU Campus, the predicted 4-8 inches of snow fell with the weather service predicting the possibility of more.

Today, there was a wind advisory issued for winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. Prior to sending crews into the field, supervisors are scouting out the areas for safety and visibility. If it is deemed safe today, firefighters will launch repair of the equestrian trail south of Red Feather Lakes Road, continue road repair on Mt. Clover, and will resume private land dozer line restoration. On the southeast section, the Dunraven Trail area and The Retreat area will be repaired and branches will be chipped in order to reduce fuel loads. In the Bobcat Ridge area, crews will continue dozer repair work, which should be finalized within the next three days. Crews will continue hiking and cutting their way into the area in Pingree Park by the CSU campus, the area that was putting up smoke prior to the snow fall. The many “little campfires” that remain will be scattered by crews in a ‘fuels dispersion mission’. A Multi Mission Aircraft (MMA) was ordered for an infrared flight to check for any lingering heat signatures after the recent snowfall. Throughout the day, crews will remain on patrol checking for hotspots and potential flare-ups.

CLOSURES:Some National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District have reopened, please know before you go.

• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/
• Some areas of Rocky Mountain National Park have reopened: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm
• Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

RESOURCES: 7Crews, 1 Helicopter, 10 Engines, 1 Dozer

WEATHER:Today as a storm system moves out of the area, the sun will return and the area will experience a drying trend throughout the week, with warmer temperatures and lighter winds.

For information on smoke and air quality visit:https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

As of November 14, 2020, the Temporary Flight Restriction was lifted over the Cameron Peak Fire.

11/14 Update at 10 am

Acres:                       208,913

Containment:         92%

Date Started:          August 13, 2020

Cause:                      Under Investigation

Personnel:               444

Today, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for areas above 9000 feet and a severe wind advisory for areas below 9000 feet. It is forecasted there will be 4-8 inches of snow in areas west of Pingree Park and the CSU Campus. Due to the wind, there is a small potential for single tree torching, but there is not concern for a rapid rate of fire spread due to patchy snow. The bitter wind and whipping snow forecasted for today will be challenging for firefighters to work in while doing suppression and repair work.  Firefighter safety is our top priority and they will not be engaging in suppression repair due to the risk of frostbite and driving our high profile vehicles in such dangerous wind conditions, but we have ground troops ready and available to engage flare ups do occur.  In the upcoming days, when crews are able to safely reengage firefighters will continue processing on the 86 and 523 roads in the northwest section. They will launch repair of the equestrian trail south of Red Feather Lakes Road, continue road repair on Mt. Clover, and will continue private land dozer line restoration. On the southeast section, the Dunraven Trail area and The Retreat area will be repaired and branches will be chipped.  Throughout the day, crews will remain on patrol checking for hotspots and potential flare-ups.

According to Steven North, Operations Section Chief, “Yesterday was one of those days we really had our foot on the gas and we got a lot of work done.” Throughout the day, firefighters effectively and efficiently continued the suppression repair efforts. On the northwest section of the fire, crews continued processing timber on the 523 and 86 roads. On the 86 Road, they also worked on rehabbing hand line cut into the ground during suppression activity. Crews also rehabilitated dozer lines along Red Feather Lakes Road and continued slash dispersal in the area. Near Glen Echo, hand line and dozer line repair activities were productive. In the Upper Manhattan area, hand line repair activities continued. Crews made great headway cutting the access line into the pocket of smoldering fuels that is putting up smoke in Pingree Park near the CSU campus.  Line rehab continued near Buckhorn Road. The dozer line near Bobcat Ridge has now been repaired. Chipping operations have been completed on the southeast portion of the fire and on Storm Mountain, the dozer line on the Galuchie Gulch has been successfully repaired. During the midday hours, high winds stirred up quite a bit of dust and ash within the fire area, especially near Masonville. Crews patrolling the area reported no increase of fire activity due to the wind gusts.

CLOSURES: Some National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District have reopened, please know before you go.

• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/
• Some areas of Rocky Mountain National Park have reopened: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm
• Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

RESOURCES:  7 Crews, 3 Helicopters, 12 Engines, 1 Dozer

WEATHER: A high wind warning was in effect last night and will continue into today as a storm system is moving into the area. Today, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for areas above 9000 feet and a severe wind advisory for areas below 9000 feet. Northwest winds 30-40 mph with gusts up to 75 are expected.  It is forecasted there will be 4-8 inches of snow in areas west of Pingree Park and the CSU Campus. As this storm moves out on Sunday, the Rocky Mountains will experience a drying trend throughout the week, with warmer temperatures and lighter winds in the area early next week.

For information on smoke and air quality visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

11/13 Update at 9 am

Join us at 7:30pm for a Virtual Community Meeting on Facebook Live.  

Yesterday, weather limited the ability of fighters to cut in a check line and fuel break in the Pingree Park area, southwest of the CSU Mountain Campus.  This fuel break line will allow safe entry and exit into the steep pocket of smoldering fuels that is putting up smoke. Fire personnel worked to repair dozer and hand lines near Cedar Park. Crews worked to disperse slash near Glen Echo. In the northern areas of the fire, near Deadman Hill, suppression repair and the processing of timber continued, but the 60 MPH wind and accompanied windchill curbed our efforts.

Today, firefighters will continue the suppression repair efforts. In the Masonville area an excavator is being used to repair dozer lines. On Storm Mountain chipping work is being done and the dozer lines are being repaired.  Crews will continue to monitor the area of the North Fork slop over. They will also be using the new access line, once completed,to approach the inner smoldering pocket in Pingree Park southwest of the CSU campus that was previously inaccessible. Crews will continue to process timber in the northern areas of the fire and repair roads and fire lines, given the winds cooperate.

As a reminder, Thompson Zone was transitioned to East Troublesome Fire, November 8th. Due to lack of fire activity, some resources were released. However, a local management team and resources continue to patrol the fire area. If anything changes, updates for East Troublesome Fire will be found on their Facebook page, or here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7242/

CLOSURES: Some National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District have reopened, please know before you go.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/

Some areas of Rocky Mountain National Park have reopened: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

RESOURCES:  9 Crews, 3 Helicopters, 12 Engines, 1 Dozer, 1 Skidder

WEATHER: On Saturday, some flurries may be seen across the fire as a cold front moves in and 2 inches or less of snow accumulation is predicted. Winds will be 60-65 MPH with gusts of 70 MPH possible, resulting in extremely cold windchills, especially in the high country. As the cold front moves out of the area on Sunday, temperatures will rise and fuels will dry out throughout the upcoming week.

For information on smoke and air quality visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

11/12 Update at 9:00 am

Alan Lawson Incident Commander

Cameron Peak Fire Size: 208,913 acres

Containment: 92%

Start Date: Aug. 13, 2020

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 424

NOTE: Map has yesterday’s date, no changes were made today.

Yesterday, firefighters scouted the Pingree Park area, southwest of the CSU Mountain Campus, to assess future resource needs, access, and safety. Fire personnel worked to repair dozer and hand lines near Cedar Park. In the northern areas of the fire, suppression repair and the processing of timber continued.

Today, crews will be heading into the Pingree area to begin fire line construction. Suppression repair activities continue across the fire today, on both private and public lands. Chipping operations will be taking place along County Road 43 to disperse removed fuels. Traffic control measures will be in place for safety, so you may experience delays. Crews will continue to process timber in the northern areas of the fire and repair roads and fire lines.

As a reminder, Thompson Zone was transitioned to East Troublesome Fire, November 8th. Due to lack of fire activity, some resources were released. However, a local management team and resources continue to patrol the fire area. If anything changes, updates for East Troublesome Fire will be found on their Facebook page, or here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7242/

Some forest closures were lifted November 10th across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Please respect the closures still in place for everyone’s safety, the efficiency of suppression and suppression repairs, and to minimize the start of any new fires.

CLOSURES: Some National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District have reopened, please know before you go.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/

Some areas of Rocky Mountain National Park have reopened: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

RESOURCES:  8 Crews, 3 Helicopters, 12 Engines, 1 Dozer, 1 Skidder

WEATHER: Some flurries may be seen across the fire, but no significant precipitation or accumulation is predicted. Winds will be seen through the week, with gusts of 50mph possible, resulting in extremely cold windchills. Temperatures will only be in the upper 20s to 30s through most of the week. For information on smoke and air quality visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

11/11 Update at 10:54 am from Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department

1 – Larimer County Office of Emergency Management is asking all area fire departments to make certain residents know that if your property was impacted by suppression work (specifically dozer lines and hand lines), you have until tomorrow night (Wednesday the 11th) to sign the agreement giving permission to the team to enter your property to do repair work to mitigate the damage caused by fire suppression efforts. We’re not aware of any Crystal Lakes properties directly impacted by suppression efforts, but are sharing this in case there are people receiving these emails who have been.

For more information about what suppression repair entails and to access both the agreement form and a list of the properties eligible for repair work, please see the Recovery Resources page on the Larimer County website, here: https://www.larimer.org/wildfire-resources#tab8.

2 – While we haven’t yet had that “season ending” event that’ll put the Cameron Peak Fire out once and for all, we’ve had a series of season-slowing events in the recent snowfall and ongoing cold. As a result, most of the firelines are fairly solid and holding well, and the primary hazard from the fire is now the hot spots in the interior. These are mostly a problem in the areas of the fire further south, where it made its third long run. In the areas near us, the danger potential of the fire has been greatly reduced. For the numbers, it’s at 208,913 acres and 92% contained.

11/5 Update at 9:30 am

Rob Allen, Incident Commander

Cameron Peak Fire Size: 208,913 acres

Containment: 92%

Start Date: Aug. 13, 2020

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 1,103

Thompson Zone Size: 4,889 acres

Containment: 48%

Start Date: Oct. 22, 2020

Cause: Spot Fire

Across both the Cameron Peak and Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fires, firefighters remain engaged in the important work of mop-up, backhaul and suppression repair where access allows. On the North Fork Trail slop-over, firefighters will work to mop-up and secure the fire’s edge. Although some smoke and active fire is visible in a few areas, there is a low probability of fire behavior beyond single tree torching. Surface spread may accelerate moderately today due to stronger southwest frontal winds ahead of a cold front that may bring more moisture Sunday or Monday.

In the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire, crews continue work to secure and contain the fire edge. Aviation resources are being used to monitor high elevation areas of smoke in the interior of the burn and take suppression action on any heat near the perimeter if necessary.

The Incident Management Team will engage in repairing damage caused by fire suppression actions on all public and private lands. This work repairs the hand and dozer lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts. The repair activities will include pulling berms with topsoil, litter, and duff back across control lines with the goal of re-covering the surface with the material that was removed. With the compacted soil loosed, and the removed topsoil replaced, the seedbank should respond quickly to precipitation. If your private land has been disturbed by suppression action and you don’t do not wish to have repair done on your land, call Larimer County Office of Emergency Management at 970-498-7120 or visit [email protected].

CLOSURES: National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park is closed.

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

RESOURCES: 2 hotshot crews, 21 type 2 handcrews, 62 engines, 11 dozers, 7 helicopters, and 14 water tenders

WEATHER: A high-pressure system will build over the fire area today bringing clear skies with warmer and drier condition and calm winds. Another weather system will begin approaching from the west on Friday bringing with it slightly warmer and drier conditions but higher winds. This will continue through Saturday with a chance of rain Saturday night with the potential to turn to snow and cold temperature at the beginning of next week. The warm windy conditions on Friday are not expected to lead to a marked increase if fire behavior, however, the threat of fire weakened trees falling in the gusty winds remains a hazard to firefighters and anyone in the burned area. For information on smoke and air quality, visit: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

11/4 Update at 9 am

Rob Allen, Incident Commander

Fire Information: 970-541-1008

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire

Larimer County Joint Information Center: 970-980-2500

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNA6qSJC2UYKz68rp9etv

East Troublesome – Grand Zone: 970-445-2910

Cameron Peak Fire Size:  208,913 acres

Containment: 92% Start Date: Aug. 13, 2020

Cause: Under Investigation Personnel: 1,097

Thompson Zone Size:  4,889 acres

Containment: 48%

Start Date: Oct. 22, 2020

Cause: Spot Fire

Yesterday, firefighters used helicopter retardant drops strategically to manage isolated fire activity in the interior of the Cameron Peak and Thompson Zone fires. In the Pingree area, line was secured around the CSU Mountain Campus area and smoke was diminished there. Crews completed backhaul operations on parts of the eastern edge of the fire perimeter removing hose lays, sprinklers, and pumps.

Today, crews will continue implementing suppression repair work where access allows. In the Pingree area firefighters will monitor for intermittent smokes, mop-up, and continue to secure containment lines. Around Cedar Park and Glen Haven suppression repair will continue, and crews will monitor and patrol the area.  Fire managers are building a suppression repair plan for areas in Rocky Mountain National Park and the YMCA. Crews will continue to assess trigger points and remain ready to re-engage in suppression activities as conditions remain dry and winds increase.

Fire suppression repair is a series of immediate post-fire action taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. This work repairs the hand and dozer lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts. In the repair plan there are 105 miles of dozer line, 20 miles of handlines and 72 miles of road crews will return to pre-fire conditions. So far crews have repaired 24 miles of the nearly 200 miles of suppression repair work needing to be done. If you do not want to have suppression repair work done on your private property, please contact Larimer County OEM at 970-481-7120.

EVACUATIONS: None

CLOSURES: Rocky Mountain National Park is closed.

National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

RESOURCES: 2 hotshot crews, 22 type 2 handcrews, 64 engines, 9 dozers, 7 helicopters, and 13 water tenders

WEATHER: A weak cold front will bring an increase in cloud cover and some gusty conditions. Wind gusts may reach 35 to 40mph through Wednesday evening. For information on smoke and air quality, visit: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

10/2 Update at 9 am

From NOCO Alerts on 11/2 at 10:49 am: This email contains 3 updates

Cameron Peak and Troublesome Evacs lifted:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with information for all evacuation areas in Larimer County. The Cameron Peak Fire officials have lifted all mandatory and all voluntary evacuations for the Cameron Peak fire and the East Troublesome fire. All residents and business occupants that were under evacuations for both fires may now return to their homes and businesses with no restrictions. Thank you for your cooperation during this large-scale event. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

Cameron Peak Fire Damage Assessment Update:

– The damage assessment team was not able to find contact info for all properties with confirmed damage. If you discover structure damage when you return to your property and you were not officially notified, email Larimer Office of Emergency Management at [email protected] with your name, address, and current phone number.

East Troublesome Fire Damage Assessment Update:

– The damage assessment team was not able to find contact info for all properties with confirmed damage. If you discover structure damage when you return to your property and you were not officially notified, email Larimer Office of Emergency Management at [email protected] with your name, address, and current phone number.

Update on Saturday, October 31 at 8 am

Rob Allen, Incident Commander 

Fire Information: 970-541-1008 

Email: [email protected]

Larimer County Joint Information Center: 970-980-2500

East Troublesome – Grand Zone: 970-445-2910

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNA6qSJC2UYKz68rp9etvA

Cameron Peak Fire

Size: 208,663 acres

Containment: 64%

Start Date: Aug. 13, 2020

Cause: Under Investigation

Thompson Zone

Size: 4,346 acres

Containment: 0%

Start Date: Oct. 22, 2020

Cause: Spot fire from East Troublesome Fire

Total Personnel on both fires: 1,459

Yesterday’s warm, sunny conditions contributed to increased snow melt over the fire area, improving access for firefighter engagement. On the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park, firefighters continued to improve firelines on the southern perimeter, prepared indirect line to the north that will tie into the Bear Lake Rd, monitored the snow melt for opportunities to get to the fire edge and pulled out equipment that is no longer needed.

On the south side of the Cameron Peak Fire, fire managers continued to evaluate areas along the southern perimeter to determine access options and containment strategies.  This includes Cedar Park, Storm Mountain, The Retreat, Glen Haven, the North Fork Trail slop-over, and the Pingree Park and CSU Mountain Campus areas. Assessment of containment lines on the east perimeter and around the Otter spot fire north of Masonville is ongoing to determine and begin necessary repair work. A drone was flown over the fire perimeter along the Buckhorn Rd (44H) to assess conditions and showed a lot of snow on the north-facing slopes in that area. The fireline that was in question near Bellaire Lake has been confirmed contained.

A cold front moved into the area in the pre-dawn hours this morning with gusty winds up to 50 mph. Unlike previous wind events on this fire, the duration will be shorter and the overall conditions – temperatures, relative humidities, fuels receptive to burning – are less severe. The winds will accelerate snow melt and drying, which will improve firefighter access. It will also expose more of the fire edge and show where heat remains. This will be an advantage to fire managers as they prioritize where to focus resources to build direct and indirect fireline and reinforce existing lines during today’s activities on the Thompson Zone and the southern fire perimeter of the Cameron Peak Fire.

EVACUATIONS: For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone for the Cameron Peak Fire and TFIRE to 888777 for the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire. Emergency information will be forwarded as needed. This is the best way to get information about the situation in your area. Call the Red Cross at 800-417-0495(enter #1) if you have been evacuated and need shelter. You can also visit http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/ for updates.

CLOSURES: All of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed. All National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.html

RESOURCES: 2 Hotshot crews, 29 Type 2 Hand crews, 91 Engines, 13 dozers, 13 helicopters, and 24 water tenders

WEATHER: Mostly sunny with temperatures in the low to upper 50s and relative humidity from 27-35%. Gusty winds will continue through the morning then start to decrease to 20-25 mph this afternoon and into the early evening. For information on smoke and air quality, visit: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/30 at 3:18 pm:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for County Road 44H from Moody Hill west to Pennock Pass. Residents in this area may return home under the voluntary evacuation status. Please remain prepared for mandatory evacuations in the event fire conditions change. Be sure to have proper identification with you when returning home, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

10/30 Update at 9 am

Rob Allen, Incident Commander 

Yesterday, improved road conditions allowed firefighters to get out to assess the snow effects on both the Cameron Peak Fire and the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park. Firefighters were able to access the southern perimeter of the Thompson Zone and began constructing fireline directly along the fire edge.

Road conditions were still poor and prevented access to the area below Storm Mountain. Pingree Park reported 27 inches of snow but the snow accumulation was far less in the area to the northwest due to the forest canopy that diminished the amount of snow reaching the ground. This is an area where the fire is smoldering and producing smoke. Firefighters accessed the Buckhorn Rd area to check firelines and hope to have that area contained over the next few days.

Today, firefighters will continue to improve indirect firelines north of the Thompson Zone fire perimeter that were initiated previously. Fire managers will continue to look at options for direct line construction on the east perimeter to prevent the fire from spreading into Estes Park.

On the Cameron Peak Fire, fire managers will try to get into the area south of Storm Mountain and around The Retreat to look at options for direct and indirect fireline to secure that section of the perimeter. The fire perimeter north of Cedar Park is looking good and will likely reach containment later today. Fire managers will assess the fire above Glen Haven and the slop-over across the North Fork Trail to look at direct and indirect options to secure the fire edge. Air operations will continue to monitor the area above Pingree Park and to the west in the Comanche Reservoir area. For the rest of the fire, firefighters will continue to patrol the fire edge and start hauling out equipment that is no longer needed and begin suppression repair work.

EVACUATIONS: For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone for the Cameron Peak Fire and TFIRE to 888777 for the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire. Emergency information will be forwarded as needed. This is the best way to get information about the situation in your area. Call the Red Cross at 800-417-0495(enter #1) if you have been evacuated and need shelter. You can also visit http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/ for updates.

CLOSURES: All of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed. All National Forest System lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.html

RESOURCES: 2 Hotshot crews, 29 Type 2 Hand crews, 111 Engines, 14 dozers, 13 helicopters, and 28 water tenders

WEATHER: Mostly sunny with temperatures in the low to upper 50s, relative humidity from 27-35%, and winds 5-15 mph with gusts 20-30 mph depending on elevation. Strong winds after midnight into early Saturday with gusts 40-50 mph, then diminishing in the afternoon. For information on smoke and air quality, visit: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

10/29 Update at 10 am

From: Pacific Northwest Type 1 Incident Management Team

Fire Information: 970-541-1008 

Email: [email protected] 

Larimer County Joint Information Center: 970-980-2500 

East Troublesome – Grand Zone: 970-445-2910

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNA6qSJC2UYKz68rp9etvA

Cameron Peak Fire:
Size: 208,663
Containment: 64%
Start Date: Aug. 13, 2020
Cause: Under Investigation

Thompson Zone:
Size: 4,346
Containment: 0%
Start Date: Oct. 22, 2020
Cause: Under Investigation

Total Personnel: 1,558

There will be Virtual Community Meeting for the Cameron Peak Fire and Thompson Zone Fire on Facebook Live tonight at 7:30 p.m. 

Yesterday, good weather provided another opportunity for fire managers to perform on-the-ground and aerial reconnaissance of the Cameron Peak Fire and the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire. During the aerial reconnaissance a decrease in smoke was noted in the Thompson Zone while increased smoke was detected in the Pingree Park and Comanche Reservoir area.

Access roads to the fire in the Thompson Zone are starting to clear but the fire edge is still snow covered so firefighters will not be able to engage until the fire edge is exposed. Roads providing access to the fire north of Cedar Park, The Retreat and Glen Haven areas are very slick in the early morning and evenings and wet and mushy during the day. It will take at least a few more days before the roads are accessible to engine and heavy equipment use.

Today, fire managers will continue to scout road conditions to determine when and where firefighters will be able to re-engage. Fire managers are working with Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park officials on potential direct and indirect suppression options for the Thompson Zone. Air reconnaissance of the fire area above the CSU Mountain Campus and Comanche Reservoir will continue today as well as the North Fork Trail and Thompson Zone areas.

New smokes may appear as temperatures continue to rise and the snow melts. Smoldering will continue with the potential to slowly spread as fuels begin to dry out along exposed ground.

EVACUATIONS: For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone for the Cameron Peak Fire and TFIRE to 888777 for the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire. Emergency information will be forwarded as needed. This is the best way to get information about the situation in your area. Call the Red Cross at 800-417-0495. Press #1 if you have been evacuated and need shelter. You can also visit http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/ for updates.

CLOSURES: All of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed. All National Forest lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.html

RESOURCES: 2 Hotshot crews, 30 Type 2 Hand crews, 112 Engines, 14 dozers, 13 helicopters, and 28 water tenders

WEATHER:  Today, skies will be mostly clear with temperatures ranging in the low 40s to mid 50s, relative humidity from 30-40% depending on elevation, and continued light winds at 5-15 mph. For information on smoke and air quality, visit:https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/29 at 11:51 am:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for the area along County Road 43 from Streamside Drive east to Storm Mountain Road. Residents in this area may return home under the voluntary evacuation status. Please remain prepared for mandatory evacuations in the event fire conditions change. Be sure to have proper identification with you when returning home, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/29 at 11:27 am:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for the west side of County Road 27 from the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area north to County Road 44H. Residents in these areas may return home under the voluntary evacuation status. Please remain prepared for mandatory evacuations in the event fire conditions change. Be sure to have proper identification with you when returning home, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/28 at 2:04 pm:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for the Paradise Park and Moody Hill areas off of County Road 44H west of County Road 27. Residents in these areas may return home under the voluntary evacuation status. Please remain prepared for mandatory evacuations in the event fire conditions change. Be sure to have proper identification with you when returning home, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

10/28 Update at 10 am

Fire managers performed an aerial reconnaissance of the fire yesterday and despite a foot or more of snow on the ground, heat and pockets of smoke were visible in three different areas: west of Pingree Park and the CSU Mountain Campus area; within the North Fork Trail slopover northwest of Glen Haven; and within the west side of the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire west of Bear Lake Rd inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

Fire personnel were able to get into the area near the northeast fire perimeter of the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire to assess the area for potential direct and indirect suppression efforts. Roads are starting to clear but the snow melt has made roadbeds soft so vehicle travel will be limited until they dry out enough to prevent significant damage. Hazardous road conditions still exist and many of the areas remain inaccessible.

Today, firefighters will continue to scout road conditions to determine access to the fire. Once temperatures rise, roads clear and frozen portable water tanks and hose thaw, firefighters will again resume mopping up hotspots, constructing direct and indirect firelines, and assessing the need for structure protection in communities and outlying areas. Air support will continue to provide aerial reconnaissance over the fire area to monitor for heat and any fire activity on the ground.

EVACUATIONS: For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone for the Cameron Peak Fire and TFIRE to 888777 for the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire. Emergency information will be forwarded as needed. This is the best way to get information about the situation in your area. Call the Red Cross at 800-417-0495. Press #1 if you have been evacuated and need shelter. You can also visit http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/ for updates.

CLOSURES:  All of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed. All National Forest lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.html

RESOURCES: 2 Hotshot crews, 31 Type 2 Hand crews, 113 Engines, 14 dozers, 13 helicopters, and 30 water tenders

WEATHER:  A warming and drying trend continues with mostly clear skies, temperatures ranging from 41^o-49^o, relative humidity from 18-26% depending on elevation, and mild winds. For information on smoke and air quality, visit:https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/28 at 11:07 am:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for the Monument Gulch and Pingree Park area. Residents from the Poudre Springs Subdivision and those north along the Pingree Park Road to Highway 14, including Monument Gulch, may return home under the voluntary evacuation status. Please remain prepared for mandatory evacuations in the event fire conditions change. Be sure to have proper identification with you when returning home, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/27 at 3:16 pm:

– Cameron Peak Fire Damage Assessment Update: Message for Crystal Mountain residents who are planning to go up to the area Wednesday (10/28). Meet at the Masonville Mercantile at 8am. There is a nearby church with a parking lot if more space is needed. Try to take as few vehicles as possible per property to limit traffic into the area and plan extra time for the escort in. Prepare for winter driving conditions, 4×4 vehicles, chains if available. The LCSO and Fire Crew will escort people in and ensure the way is cleared. Trees continue to fall across the roads that need to be cleared daily. Once in the area, people will be able to visit properties without escort and leave the area as they wish.

10/27 Update at 10 am

From: Pacific Northwest Type 1 Incident Management Team

Fire Information: 970-541-1008 

Email: [email protected] 

Larimer County Joint Information Center: 970-980-2500 

East Troublesome – Grand Zone: 970-445-2910

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNA6qSJC2UYKz68rp9etvA

Cameron Peak Fire:
Size: 208,663
Containment: 64%
Start Date: Aug. 13, 2020
Cause: Under Investigation

Thompson Zone:
Size: 4,346
Containment: 0%
Start Date: Oct. 22, 2020
Cause: Under Investigation

Total Personnel: 1,541

Today, the Pacific Northwest Type 1 Incident Management Team took command of the Cameron Peak Fire and the East Troublesome-Thompson Zone Fire. We recognize this has been a long and trying time for the local and surrounding communities impacted by these fires and we will continue the aggressive suppression efforts through direct attack where it is safe to do so and implementing indirect tactics where there is the highest probability of success. We have several objectives, but our highest priority is the safety of our firefighters and the public.

The winter snowstorm that started Sunday and continued through mid-day yesterday brought 15”-20” of snow over both fires.The snow was not a season ending event, but a season slowing event. Fire activity decreased in the past few days but could become more active as temperatures increase later in the week. Inaccessible and hazardous road conditions are still a factor so overhead fire personnel will continue to assess the effects of the fire to focus our priorities when we resume fire suppression and evaluate our ability to start suppression repairs.

EVACUATIONS: For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone for the Cameron Peak Fire and TFIRE to 888777 for the Thompson Zone of the East Troublesome Fire. Emergency information will be forwarded as needed. This is the best way to get information about the situation in your area. Call the Red Cross at 800-417-0495. Press #1 if you have been evacuated and need shelter. You can also visit http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/ for updates.

CLOSURES: All Rocky Mountain National Park is closed. All National Forest lands on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closed.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.html

RESOURCES: 2 Hotshot crews, 32 Type 2 Hand crews, 116 Engines, 14 dozers, 13 helicopters, and 29 water tenders

WEATHER: Temperatures will be warming into the 30s as we move into a warming trend the rest of this week. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColoradoFrontRange

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

LCSO – Wildfire Mandatory Evacuations ordered

From NOCO Alerts on 10/12 at 3:25 pm:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have lifted the voluntary evacuation for Glacier View. Residents in Glacier View have no restrictions, however, we do ask that you continue to use caution while driving, as fire crews will still be present in the area. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you for your cooperation.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/12 at 8:22 am

-If you are returning to an evac area, you can get a clean-up kit from 3-6p today at Livermore, GV, RFL, and Crystal Lakes FDs. Kits will aid in cleaning soiled food from refrigerators/freezers & smoke damage. More info at https://bit.ly/2STwz4p

From NOCO Alerts on 10/9 at 8:26 am

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. The Cameron Peak fire officials have ordered Mandatory Evacuations for Pingree Park/Monument Gulch area residents and business occupants due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Cameron Peak Fire officials have ordered mandatory evacuations for County Road 44H (the Buckhorn Road) to County Road 27 (the Stove Prairie Road) for residents and business occupants in the area due to increased fire activity and immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/6 at 12:10 pm

-This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for the Pingree Park/Monument Gulch area, which is south of Highway 14 along County Road 63E (the Pingree Park Road) to the housing area south of the CSU Mountain Campus and east to Pennock Pass and Monument Gulch. Residents in this area may return home. Please be sure to have proper identification to show residency in those areas that were mandatory evacs, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

-This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have lifted the voluntary evacuation order along Highway 14 from Kelly Flats to the Stove Prairie Landing. Residents in this area may return home. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

From NOCO Alerts on 10/1 at 3:47 pm:

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Due to the Mullen Fire in Wyoming, Fire officials have upgraded to Mandatory Evacuations for the Roach and Hohnholz areas in northwest Larimer County due to immediate and imminent danger. Residents and visitors should evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word MULLEN to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have lifted the voluntary evacuation for County Road 44H from County Road 27 to Pennock Pass. Residents returning to the area should use caution as fire crews will remain in the area. The roadblock on County Road 44H has been moved to the Buckhorn Ranger Station in the 32,000 block, which is at the intersection of County Road 44H and Forest Road 100. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

From NOCO Alerts at 10:28 am

-This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated information for the Glen Haven and Storm Mountain area. The Cameron Peak fire officials have lifted the voluntary evacuations for Glen Haven, the Glen Haven Retreat, Storm Mountain, and County Road 43. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

2020-09-08 16:30 MDT

This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Cameron Peak fire officials have issued voluntary evacuations for the areas of the Glen Haven Retreat, the town of Glen Haven, and Storm Mountain. Voluntary evacuations are advised for residents and business occupants if they are concerned for their safety, feel they need additional time to exit the area, or have health conditions that may be aggravated by this incident. You are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area and to prepare for mandatory evacuations. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

2020-08-30 17:11 MDT

From the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updates on the Cameron Peak Fire voluntary evacuations for the upper Buckhorn/Pennock Pass area (County Road 44H from Pennock Pass east to County Road 27 as well as residences to the south using County Road 44H as access).

Fire officials have lifted the voluntary evacuation area because of changing weather, cooler temperatures, and low fire behavior. Please be prepared and ready as new evacuations for this area will be ordered if/when unfavorable weather conditions exist and/or fire behavior changes. There are no changes to current mandatory evacuation areas.

For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that keyword as needed. See evacuation maps at www.nocoalert.org. Please do not call 911 to verify this message.

2020-08-21 14:32:19 MDT

This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. The Cameron Peak Fire activity has increased in the area south of Highway 14 toward Crown Point, the Pingree Park Road and County Road 44H area. Mandatory Evacuations have been ordered for residents and businesses in the area, up to and including Pennock Pass on County Road 44H due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

The Cameron Peak Fire started 25 miles East of Walden and 15 miles Southwest of Red Feather Lakes on Thursday afternoon. It quickly grew to 1540 acres on August 13, then to 2,179 acres by the morning of August 14. Through the week, the fire has continued to grow, prompting officials to expand a mandatory evacuation boundary. At 9:00 am on August 20 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team reported the size of the fire at 16,461 acres.

We have posted closure information with a current boundary map below.

The latest updates will continue to be posted at – https://northfortynews.com/cameronpeakfire

Current Evacuations Map

Boundary Map Within the National Forest

August 14, 3:49 pm

The Forest Service closure order with specific closing information of forest roads, trails, and campgrounds, can be seen at: fseprd780832 (1)

Mandatory evacuations have been put into place. Please see details below for messages from Larimer County.

Official Updates

Northwest Incident Management Team 6 

Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander 

Shane Theall, Deputy IC

Firefighters Complete Burnouts 

10/13 Update at 9:21 am

Increased Containment on the Cameron Peak Fire Despite Wind 

Current Situation: On Monday fire crews were successful completing a significant amount of containment line along the northern perimeter of the fire, bringing the total containment to 56%. As a result of meeting an incident objective of containment in the north, the northern administrative branches of the fire were combined to “A/D” to the west and “F/L/R” to the north. While the entire northern edge of the fire is now in containment, crews will continue to patrol and monitor the area. Firefighters near Comanche and Hourglass Reservoirs faced challenges due to extreme winds. There was isolated torching and the fire made a small wind-driven run to the east. While these afternoon winds prohibited safe direct attack on the fire, Monday saw little growth of the fire perimeter. Fire crews in the area of Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp and CSU Mountain Campus continued to make improvements to structure protection and continued mop up. In the areas of Pingree Park, Buckhorn and Monument Gulch, firefighters monitored and made improvements on structure protection. Along Long Draw Road and the Cache La Poudre Drainage, firefighters monitored and checked for new fire activity. At 3:22 p.m., Larimer County Sheriff’s Office lifted the voluntary evacuation status for Glacier View.

Today will likely bring more dry winds to the fire area, creating near critical fire weather. Firefighters will continue to patrol and work on structure protection improvements in Monument Gulch and along Buckhorn Road. Point protection and contingency planning will continue in the Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park areas. Aviation resources will continue to engage the fire when winds allow. Today will also be the final day for NW Team 6 on the Cameron Peak Fire. The Rocky Basin Type 1 team is transitioning in with Team 6 and will be taking over command of the fire at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14^th.

Weather Conditions: Expect high clouds on Tuesday. The forecast calls for highs of 45-55° F. Relative humidity is anticipated to be 15-25%. Winds on the ridgetop and mid-slope are forecast to be southwest at 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Gusts to 50 mph are expected after 6:00 p.m. Winds in the valleys and lower slopes will likely be southwest at 10-20 mph with gusts of 30-40 mph. Southwest winds will likely be 15-25 mph after 6:00 p.m.

10/12 Update at 9:43 am

Calmer Winds and Moisture Help Moderate Fire Activity 

 Current Situation: Sunday saw an increase in fire activity in the early morning hours before calming as much needed moisture moved into the area before noon. Crews monitored the hot spots and looked for new activity near Long Draw Road and the Cache La Poudre Drainage. In close coordination with Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services, firefighters continued work in the Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park community. Firefighters continued to monitor in Monument Gulch east along Old Flowers Road. With new containment showing along the northeast fire line from Forest Service Road 333 Road to Bellaire Lake, firefighters continue mop up along the north firelines near the Killpecker tower moving towards the west.

While multiple helicopters were available today, weather conditions only allowed for one drop. Firefighters took advantage of calmer winds and moisture, securing and building new line ahead of expected dryer weather and increased winds Monday. Just before 2:00 p.m., the evacuation status for Highway 14 from Kelly Flats west to the Fish Hatchery was downgraded from mandatory to voluntary. Out of an abundance of caution, new closures were issued by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Today dry, windy weather is anticipated to return. Firefighters will continue to patrol and work on structure protection and removing fuels from around structures in Monument Gulch and Buckhorn Road. Point protection and contingency planning will continue in the Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park community. Mop up will continue along the north firelines where crews continue to get closure to containment, finding less heat every day.

Weather Conditions: Monday will see partly cloudy conditions. Forecast calls for highs of 40-50°F. Relative humidity is expected to be at 25-30%. Winds will shift from the southwest to the west with gusts of 35-40 mph. Dry, windy conditions will likely continue Tuesday with highs expected to be around 50°F. Winds are expected to be 30-45 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph.

10/11 Update at 9:50 am

Firefighters Continue Work Ahead of Approaching Cold Front 

Current Situation: Saturday saw another day of active fire behavior and gusty winds ahead of a cold front expected to arrive today. Fire activity and smoke were seen in the south near RMNP and Joe Wright Reservoir. Air support continued to assess and monitor these areas throughout the day. Firefighters continued focused efforts at the CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park community. The fire remains to the north of the CSU Campus and west of Pingree Park Road. Fire behavior calmed in the overnight hours with slightly higher relative humidity. Crews monitored the CSU campus, Pingree Park, and Monument Gulch areas overnight. In addition to the ground support working on point protection, air operations were active dropping retardant and water drops on targets in the area to help slow fire spread. Mop up, reenforcing dozer lines, and structure protection continued on the north firelines and the Highway 14 corridor. Firefighters were able to secure firelines and add containment along the northeast line of the fire near Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View Meadows. Around noon evacuations were downgraded to voluntary evacuation for Crystal Lakes and Red Feather Lakes.

Today’s winds ahead of a cold front will likely increase fire activity in the early morning hours through the afternoon. Firefighters will continue point protection operations in the CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park community. Crews will patrol and monitor in the Monument Gulch community watching for any new fire spread. Firefighters will continue work on the north firelines and the Highway 14 corridor. Air support will continue to monitor the south firelines near Joe Wright Reservoir and RMNP. Active fire and wind will cause smoke to increase and be visible in several areas of the fire.

Weather Conditions: Sunday will see a cold front bringing increased clouds, winds, and very little moisture. The forecast calls for highs of 55-60°F. Relative humidity is expected to be medium at 35-40%. Winds are expected to shift throughout the day a with gusts of 45-55 mph. Monday should see cooler temperature with very windy conditions. Highs are expected to be around 45°F. Relative humidity is expected to drop to 15-25% with wind gusts up to 55 mph.

10/10 Update at 9:29 am

Firefighters Work Through Critical Weather to Protect Homes 

Current Situation: Friday saw another day of critical fire weather and near Red Flag Warning conditions. Early morning activity pushed the fire out of the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area and toward the Colorado State University Mountain Campus. This prompted a mandatory evacuation for residents and business owners in the Monument Gulch, Pingree Park, and County Road 44H (the Buckhorn Road) to County Road 27 (Stove Prairie Road) before 8:00 a.m. A surge group of County and local firefighters and engines arrived early in the morning to assist with point protection and build firelines to slow fire spread, protecting the values at risk in the area. Extreme fire activity continued in this area throughout the day. Crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor fire behavior and extinguish any hotspots. Mop up, reenforcing dozer lines, and structure protection continued on the north firelines with a heavy focus on the northwest area near Crystal Lakes, Red Feather Lakes, and Glacier View Meadows. County partners and firefighters continued to monitor and mop up the southwest lines near Long Draw Road, and along the Highway 14 corridor near Sleeping Elephant. Aerial operations continued in multiple areas of the fire to slow fire spread as conditions allowed.

Today will be another near critical fire weather day after a sixth night with little moisture recovery for vegetation. The primary focus for today will be in the CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park community where extreme fire behavior is expected once again. An additional surge group with local and regional crews arrived Friday afternoon to assist with point protection. Firefighters will continue to focus on the north perimeter mopping up and securing firelines to increase containment protect the values at risk on the northeast side of the fire.

Weather Conditions: Saturday will see cooler temperaturesand higher humidity. Forecast calls for highs of 66-73°F. Relative humidity is expected to be medium at 15-20%. Winds will likely increase throughout the day a with gusts of 15-20 mph. A cold front is forecast to pass over the fire Sunday with highs expected to be around 60°F. Winds will likley be strongest Sunday with gusts up to 55 mph.

10/9 Update at 10:26 am

Hot, Dry Weather Causes Cameron Peak Fire to Grow

Current Situation: Thursday saw another day of record temperatures, low humidity, and active fire behavior, resulting in mandatory evacuations of Pingree Park, Monument Gulch, and Buckhorn Road to Stove Prairie Road this morning. The fire above Comanche Reservoir exhibited extreme behavior and is moving toward the east. A Red Flag Warning was in effect for the fire area from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Crews continued around the fire perimeter to secure the lines and increase containment, despite the difficult fire weather conditions. Engines and firefighters continued mop up, searching for and extinguishing heat in the Sleeping Elephant Mountain and Long Draw Road areas after successful aerial burnout operations on Wednesday. Work continued on the contingency line around the CSU Mountain Campus and neighboring homes. Fire activity picked up in several areas along the highway 14 corridor around 3:00 p.m. prompting firefighters to shift focus to structure protection. Crews remained in the area to monitor and defend areas at risk overnight. Aerial operations continued with water and retardant north of Kinikinik and near Comanche Reservoir.

Today fire behavior is already very active after a fifth night with low humidity and little moisture recovery for vegetation. Crews will continue to focus on building and securing firelines, as well as mopping up around the perimeter. Firefighters face another day of extreme fire behavior in isolated areas. Fire activity will likely increase in the afternoon with the potential for increased smoke pushing to the south.

Weather Conditions: Friday’s weather should see increasing cloud coverage in the afternoon with highs of 63-73°F. Relative humidity is expected to be low at 8-12%. Winds will likely increase throughout the day with gusts of 20-25 mph. Saturday highs are expected to be around 60°F with breezy conditions ahead of a strong cold front set to move in Sunday. Elevated fire weather conditions are anticipated through Saturday.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

10/8 Update at 9:58 am

Current Situation: Wednesday firefighters continued containment work on the fire perimeter. This is a very large fire with over 240 miles of perimeter, so full containment will take time to complete and each new weather event will challenge portions of the line, requiring firefighters to revisit many areas. Mop up, searching for and extinguishing heat, was the primary activity for firefighters around the fire. A small spot fire was found outside the line in the northwest and was secured. To prevent increased fire activity from further threatening homes around Kinikinik, crews successfully completed a burnout operation on Sleeping Elephant Mountain using aerial ignition. Additional crews worked around the structures in the area to ensure no damage occurred from the burnout. Another burnout was performed at the southern end of Long Draw Road to create fireline that will be more easily defensible. This operation produced the very large column of smoke seen yesterday. On the northern edge crews worked on reinforcing the line west of Bellaire Lake. On the east side crews and engines continued mopping up around homes and structures at risk. More crews joined in the work on the contingency lines around the CSU Mountain Campus and area homes. Crews in Rocky Mountain National Park also worked on contingency lines there and monitoring the increased fire activity in the lower Cache La Poudre drainage near the northern park boundary.

Today a Local Red Flag Weather Warning is issued for the fire. Crews are prepared and have plans in place with the focus on holding and securing the lines. Vegetation remains critically dry with little overnight recovery of moisture for a fourth night in a row. Firefighters will likely face isolated areas of extreme fire behavior. Fire activity that gets established during the day may continue to be active overnight.

Weather Conditions: Thursday has a Local Red Flag Warning for the fire area from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Weather should be mostly sunny and warm with highs 70-75°F. Relative humidity is expected to be low at 7-11%. Winds are forecast to be shifting with gusts to 20 mph. Friday highs are expected to be around 70°F with increasing clouds. Elevated fire weather is anticipated through Friday.

10/7 Update at 9:57 am

Firefighters Mop Up Containment Lines

Current Situation: Tuesday firefighters focused on securing containment lines after the wind event. Mop up was the primary activity around the perimeter of the fire, as firefighters searched for heat along the line and extinguished it. Where the spot fire crossed the northern line near the 333A road, firefighters mopped up to secure the mechanical line. In surveying the perimeter, firefighters found a new spot fire outside the line on the northwest side and worked to get line around it, stopping the growth at a couple of acres. Crews and engines continued mopping up around homes and structures at risk both inside the burned area and outside of it. Two big smoke columns developed as interior pockets of unburned fuel increased in activity. Holding actions were needed in the area between Beaver Creek and Comanche Reservoir. The Long Draw burnout in the southwest corner of the fire appeared to be holding the fire as hoped. Crews in Rocky Mountain National Park and at the CSU Mountain Campus worked on developing contingency lines.

Today fire crews will hold and secure lines. Where possible, they will also work on extending containment. The tricky areas above Comanche Reservoir will probably require air support again in addition to the fire crews. Air support has been a huge asset on this fire, quieting active sections and allowing firefighters to safely work in close to the perimeter.Power company crews will be working to replace poles and restore power. With the fuels remaining critically dry, firefighters will continue to experience active and possibly extreme fire behavior. Fire activity that gets established during the day will likely continue overnight due to low humidity recovery.

Weather Conditions: Wednesday should be mostly sunny and warm with highs 70-75°F. Relative humidity is expected to be low at 7-11%. Winds are forecast to be shifting with gusts to 20 mph. Thursday highs are expected to be 65-75°F with increasing clouds. Elevated fire weather is anticipated through Friday.

10/6 Update at 9:36 am

Winds Tested the Containment Lines

Current Situation: Most of the containment lines held Monday during the Red Flag wind event. The fire spotted across the northern line near the 333A road and burned 50-70 acres. Firefighters aided by aviation resources and heavy equipment were able to get mechanical line around most of that spot fire with the last section tied into a wetland. Around the perimeter firefighters were challenged with spots and embers coming across the lines. They patrolled seeking out heat and extinguishing any found. Crews and engines worked around the homes and structures at risk defending them. One of the most active sections of the fire was along the Hwy 14 corridor where large islands of unburned fuel remained. The interior of these islands burned yesterday, putting up heavy smoke, and it is likely interior pockets will burn again today. Firefighters and engines defended the structures along that stretch from the defensive areas they created the past few days until they were ordered to leave for their safety. Large air tankers and helicopters worked with firefighters to hold the fire above Comanche Reservoir. Working off the Corral Creek Trail in the southwest corner of the fire, crews burned out about 40 acres to check further movement of the fire to the south. Crews in Rocky Mountain National Park worked on contingency lines but did not have much fire activity in that area.

Today, fire crews will secure and hold lines, mopping up where needed. Firefighters will utilize water on the new line around the spot to the north to strengthen it. Engines will patrol around homes mopping up and protecting them especially in the Elkhorn and Kinikinik areas. Efforts will continue to hold the fire at Long Draw and above Comanche Reservoir. While the winds will likely decrease, the fuels remain critically dry and firefighters will continue to experience active fire behavior.

Weather Conditions: Tuesday should be mostly sunny with highs 65-70°F. Relative humidity will is expected to be low at 8-13%. Winds are forecast to decrease to 10-15 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Wednesday highs are expected to be 65-70°F with increasing clouds. The relative humidity is anticipated to continue to be very dry with little overnight recovery.

10/4 Update at 10:17 am

Firefighters Prepare for a Challenge

Current Situation: Most lines held Sunday and during Monday’s early morning hours. The fire spotted across the northern line in at least one location – near the 333A road — and firefighters are attacking that spot this morning while holding mostly defensive positions around the rest of the fire. The Red Flag Warning continues through Monday until 7:00 p.m. The Fire Behavior Analyst predicts potentially extreme fire conditions with the expected weather and condition of forest fuels.

Today’s instructions to crews are to secure and hold lines, mop up where possible, and initiate defensive burnout operations if necessary. Top priority for aircraft if not restricted due to wind conditions is the north line followed by preventative drops to cool fire areas west-northwest of Comanche Reservoir. Engines and crews will be monitoring and defending structures at risk. The areas to the northeast of the fire will be heavily patrolled, as will the Highway 14 corridor.

Weather Conditions: The Red Flag Weather Warning that began Sunday at 9:00 p.m. will remain in effect until 7:00 p.m. Monday night. Monday should be mostly sunny with highs 62-70°F. Relative humidity will be low at 11% to 15%. Winds will shift direction but continue to blow through the day 30-40 mph with gusts to 50 mph possible. Valleys will mostly be sheltered from the winds in the morning. Tuesday is expected to be calmer with winds around 10 mph and gusts to 20 mph. Tuesday through Thursday will continue very dry with highs 65-70°F.

Crews worked around the perimeter on Sunday securing firelines in preparation for the predicted wind event.  Fire activity increased slightly during the day burning pockets of fuel in the interior, along the perimeter west of Comanche Reservoir to Brown’s Lake, and in the southwest corner near Corral Creek. Aviation resources assisted crews in holding these areas and fire movement was minimal before nightfall. With the Red Flag Warning wind event expected overnight, some daytime firefighters were designated as a surge force and prepared to join those on the nightshift, if the need arose. The wind gusted to 46 mph and challenged the containment lines especially on the north and in the green space west of Comanche Reservoir. Surge firefighters were not needed overnight.

10/4 Update at 10:46 am

Firefighters Strengthen Containment

Current Situation: Saturday’s weather allowed firefighters to focus on reinforcing the fireline they created over the past several days and adding additional line. The small army of heavy machinery (5 bulldozers, 5 masticators, 5 feller-bunchers, 4 skidders, 2 water tenders, an excavator, a grader, and an engine) continued working the northern flank of the fire west of Bellaire Lake and firefighters strengthened that line by adding water and hose lays along that stretch. More heavy machinery is spread around the fire working on other strategic advances. Patrols around homes and structures at risk extinguished any remaining pockets of heat and prepared protection measures to be ready for any increased fire behavior. Local fire department crews are working beside the federal firefighters protecting these homes. Increased fire activity occurred in the Comanche Reservoir and Corral Creek areas where crews worked with aviation resources to quiet and contain fire movement. Aviation resources had to stop working by 5:00 p.m. because smoke limited visibility. Crews also worked to open road access to the area west of Comanche Reservoir to aid efforts in that area. Around the perimeter of the fire, firefighters walked the developed line checking for and extinguishing any spot fires threatening the line.

Today firefighters will continue adding water and hose lays to the northern perimeter of the fire. Crews and aviation will keep addressing the heat along the southern perimeter and throughout the fire. Additional burnouts may be done in the Sheep Creek and Corral Creek drainages, weather permitting. Engines and crews will keep monitoring structures at risk. Firefighters will remain alert as the day progresses to the predicted wind shift and increasing wind gusts that will build to 40 mph well after dark. These winds will challenge the crews working through the night.

Weather Conditions: Sunday is predicted to be sunny and noticeably warmer with highs 60-71°F. Winds are expected to start off light and increase in intensity as the direction shifts from the NW to the W. By 9:00 p.m. a Local Red Flag Weather Warning will go into effect and last until 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Wind associated with the incoming “Shallow Mountain Wave” could gust to 40 mph. Monday is predicted to have a high near 70°F with elevated fire weather conditions.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

10/3 Update at 10 am

Another Productive Day for Firefighters Increases Containment

Current Situation: Friday’s predicted Red Flag weather warning was moderated by the shade provided by the Mullen Fire’s drift smoke in the afternoon. The hard work of closing the nine-mile gap on the north side of the fire is progressing. Firefighters followed behind the heavy machinery with hoses and water, cooling heat and felling snags that might jeopardize the line. Crews and engines worked along the Hwy 14 corridor to extinguish any heat remaining around the homes. Between the fingers on the northeast side additional burnouts were done with precision to secure those houses and protect personal property. Mop-up and patrols continue around those and other values at risk both inside the burned area and adjacent to it. Hand crews worked in the difficult-to-access areas above Comanche Reservoir and by Corral Creek. Air support worked with buckets to protect those crews and knock down pockets of heat. Structure protection crews practiced their defensive plans for the CSU Mountain Campus and the Pingree Park homes. Firefighters are tying line together with natural features in Long Draw to prevent further movement to the south. On the northwest perimeter of the fire, firefighters walked the developed line checking for and extinguishing any spot fires in that area.

Today firefighters will continue securing the perimeter of the fire. The predicted variable winds will be light and peak burning hours will decrease to five hours allowing for continued success. Crews will provide structure protection around the values at risk. Firefighters hope to secure more line before the predicted increase in fire behavior tests it on Monday.

Weather Conditions: Saturday is predicted to be partly cloudy by afternoon and cooler with highs 53-63°F. Wind direction will vary by the area of the fire and should be light 9-13 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Sunday’s forecast is a little warmer with highs of 60-70°F and wind gusts to 25 mph. Monday is predicted to have elevated fire weather conditions with warm temperatures and increased wind.

10/2 Update at 10:43 am

Firefighters Make More Advances Toward Containment

Current Situation: Thursday’s good weather conditions and decreased fire behavior allowed firefighters to continue work directly on the fire perimeter. Heavy equipment made advances closing the nine-mile gap on the north side of the fire. Firefighters followed up with hoses and water, mopping up lines with water. Work on indirect contingency lines northeast of that stretch also continues to protect those subdivisions. Crews and engines worked in the burnout conducted near Kinikinik yesterday to extinguish any heat remaining around structures. Similar “search and destroy” heat missions were carried out on the northeast side burnout between those fingers of fire and around other values at risk. Hand crews worked from the trail system above Comanche Reservoir improving lines. Firefighters additionally burned out an area in front of the southern tip of the fire in the Long Draw. Aviation supplied important assistance to firefighters both in bucket work and reconnaissance.

Containment measures on the east side of the fire combined with decreased fire activity in that area allowed the Larimer County Sheriff to lift the voluntary evacuation order for County Roads 44H and 27 to Pennock Pass (more details on the NoCo Alert link to the right). To protect public safety in light of the Mullen Fire the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests on the Canyon Lakes District to the north (more details are available by following the link on the right).

Today firefighters will continue the diligent hard work that is building toward further extension and strengthening of firelines. Structure protection remains a high priority and crews will continue mop-up work around the values at risk. The dry fuels and afternoon winds may increase fire activity especially on the northeast side, but the cloud and smoke cover will likely moderate that behavior.

Weather Conditions: Friday is expected to be partly cloudy with highs of 57-69°F. Northwest winds are forecasted to be 9-13 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Saturday is predicted to be partly cloudy with highs in the low 60s°F and wind gusts to 25 mph.

10/1 Update at 11 am

Hard Work Increases Containment 

Current Situation: Wednesday’s good weather conditions and decreased fire behavior allowed firefighters to work directly on the fire perimeter. This work advanced containment to 30% as firefighters completed fireline in several locations. Heavy equipment worked in force to start closing the nine-mile gap on the north side of the fire. Burnouts were conducted near Kinikinik to further protect the structures at risk and remove fuels from the unburned island in the fire. On the northeast side another burnout was done to secure the area between those fingers of fire and prepare it for putting in direct fireline. Hand crews worked in unison with air support along the edge between Brown’s Lake and Comanche Reservoir. Crews also successfully attacked stretches in the Long Draw area and on the northwest side of the fire. Structure crews continue to work both day and night to secure values at risk patrolling, mopping up, and extinguishing spot fires. All around the fire, crews received solid aviation support with 11 helicopters running almost continual bucket drops to cool hotter areas and allow firefighters to work in close to the fire perimeter.

Today firefighters will build on yesterday’s successes working on further extension of firelines along the perimeter. Structure protection remains a high priority and crews will continue to work around the values at risk. Firefighters will need to stay alert as extremely dry fuels remain and shifting winds may bring changes in direction for fire and ember movement.

Weather Conditions: Thursday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs of 54-65°F. North-northwest winds are anticipated to shift to north-northeast winds after 1 p.m. and are forecasted to be 6-10 mph with gusts up to 22 mph. Friday is predicted to be partly cloudy and slightly warmer with wind gusts to 25 mph.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/30 Update at 10:30 am

Burning in the Interior of the Fire Continues 

Current Situation: The weather warmed up yesterday and with that warming, fuel moistures dropped back to extremely dry. Fire activity increased in response and several smoke columns rose from unburned pockets of fuel and burnout operations in the fire’s interior. Crews worked on the west side of the unburned area along Hwy 14 burning out more fuels to reduce the risk of sustained fire runs developing. Firefighters also burned areas around structures to further protect values at risk. Crews reinforced the lines around the northeastern fingers of the fire, continuing to work on tying the two fingers together with fireline and securing the edge where Hwy 14 meets the Manhattan Road. Firefighters continue working around all structures at risk patrolling, mopping up, and extinguishing spot fires. The fire along the perimeter near Comanche Reservoir stayed active continuing to back along that slope. The smoke from the Mullen Fire to the northwest drifted over the Cameron Peak Fire and slightly cooled fire activity in the afternoon. About 100 new personnel arrived on the fire yesterday and will bolster crews all around the perimeter. 

Today firefighters will work on further buffering and securing of the perimeter. Structure protection remains a high priority and there will be some additional burnouts to aid those efforts. Fire managers have identified a trail above Comanche Reservoir that will provide access and a place to do some burnouts to defend that side of the fire. Crews will be working on implementing that plan. Firefighters will need to be prepared for increased fire activity as the predicted weather will provide a longer period of burn potential (eight hours compared to Tuesday’s six hours).

Weather Conditions: Wednesday is expected to be warm and mostly sunny with highs of 56-66°F. Northwest winds are forecast to be 9-12 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Thursday is anticipated to be slightly cooler in temperature with north winds gusting up to 25 mph.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/29 Update at 9:30 am        

Firefighters Work on the Perimeter 

Current Situation: The hard freeze on Sunday night helped keep the fire cool on Monday. Crews further reinforced the lines around the northeastern fingers of the fire. They were able to tie the two fingers together with fireline and worked on placing line around everything that crossed the Manhattan Road connecting it down to Hwy 14. Further west on Hwy 14, close to the Fish Hatchery, crews burned out fuels to lower the risk of that area flaring up. Firefighters also continued working around the structures at risk patrolling, mopping up, and extinguishing spot fires. With activity decreased throughout the fire further advances were made along the rest of the perimeter including near Comanche Reservoir where aircraft assisted by dropping retardant on the active spots. The southern edge of the fire, near the Long Draw Reservoir, remained fairly quiet yesterday. 

Today firefighters will work on further buffering and securing of the perimeter. Structure protection will remain a high priority. Special attention will be given to some of the more inaccessible areas of the perimeter as the team formulates a strategy to address those areas. Firefighters will have to remain vigilant as the slightly increased fuel moisture will quickly return to very dry with the increased warm temperatures and sun.  

The Northwest Incident Management Team 6 assumed authority over the Cameron Peak Fire this morning. The NW Team 6 worked closely with the outgoing Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 to make the transition as smooth as possible and to ensure cohesive management of the fire. NW Team 6 thanks the Southwest Team for a good set up for success.  

Weather Conditions: Tuesday is expected to be warmer and mostly sunny with highs of 57-68°F. Northwest winds are forecast to be 9-12 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Wednesday is anticipated to be slightly cooler in temperature with northwest winds gusting up to 20 mph. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

From Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3

9/28 Update at 9:44 am

A Shift in the Weather Allows Firefighters to Gain Ground 

Current Situation: The winds continued yesterday but the gusts were not as powerful and their overall direction shifted to the northwest. This change in direction combined with a little moisture cooled fire activity and allowed firefighters to get an upper hand on the heads of the two northern fingers of the fire. Crews worked overnight Sunday and into Monday morning burning out fuel ahead of the fire in the fingers. This burnout allowed follow-up work to be done with bulldozers creating a fireline along this previously very active front. Last night crews built on that good work continuing to secure and mop up along the northeastern edge of the fire. With activity decreased throughout the fire further advances were made along the rest of the perimeter including the southern side of the fire. Power company crews worked yesterday evening to restore power to many areas that were affected by the outage. Night resources on the fire worked around structures protecting those at risk, patrolling, and extinguishing spot fires. Because of the low overnight temperatures, antifreeze was added to pumps and other equipment to protect them from freezing and ensure dependable service. 

Firefighters plan to take advantage of the continued cooler temperatures and decreased winds today. Firefighting efforts will focus on further securing the fire perimeter and mopping up along the edge. The Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 6 arrived and will be shadowing Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 to gather intelligence and situational awareness. Transfer of command will occur tomorrow morning. This will be the final update from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3. We extend our appreciation to the Agency Administrators, Cooperators, and public for the outpour of gratitude and support.

Closures and Evacuations: For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visithttps://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park closures include trails, travel zones, and campsites in the northern part of the park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) is open. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather Conditions: Monday will be mostly sunny and cool with highs 45-55°F. Northwest winds will be 9-12 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Tuesday is expected to be noticeably warmer with highs near 65°F and wind gusts up to 25mph.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit:https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban until October 31 at noon, for more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7.

9/27 Update at 9:18 am

Gusty Winds Continue to Push the Fire Northeast  

Current Situation: The red flag weather conditions continued to challenge firefighters with extreme fire activity for a second day yesterday. Spotting from 50-60 mph wind gusts pushed the fire perimeter to the northeast. The most active areas of the fire are the two fingers north of Highway 14. One finger pushed past Bellaire Lake toward the 74E road, and the other finger burned east past the Shambhala Center along the 68C road corridor. Fire crews were able to protect the temple at Shambhala and continued use of sprinklers wetting down areas ahead of the fire along with point protection for other values at risk. Night resources continued defensive actions and point protection measures in the communities at risk. The southern side of the fire also remains active in the Comanche Reservoir and Long Draw areas but is burning back into itself limiting spread. The high winds grounded nearly all air resources yesterday. Power remains off in much of the northeast section of the fire for safety. 

Cooler temperatures and decreasing winds today will create less havoc for firefighting efforts and be a welcome change after the past two difficult days. Crews and equipment will continue engaging the fire directly where there is a high probability of success and it is safe to do so. Firefighting efforts will focus heavily on protecting structures at risk.

The Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 6 began arriving and will be shadowing Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 to gather intelligence and situational awareness.

Closures and Evacuations: For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visithttps://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park closures include trails, travel zones, and campsites in the northern part of the park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) is open. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather Conditions: Sunday morning winds are predicted to gust up to 25 mph but decrease by afternoon to 15 mph or less. The temperature will be cooler with a highs 40-50°F with a 30% chance of possible rain or snow predicted later in the day. Monday is expected to be cool with wind gusts up to 25mph.

9/26 Update at 10 am

Strong Winds Challenge Firefighters 

Current Situation: The red flag weather conditions increased fire activity yesterday and expanded the fire perimeter to the northeast. The most active areas of the fire are north of Highway 14 between the “thumb” and the main fire and near Comanche Reservoir. On the north, winds pushed the fire approximately three miles east of Kinickinik across the Killpecker line and into the Seven Mile drainage. Crews started pump, hose, and sprinkler set ups are wetting down that fireline. Night resources were increased and worked on defensive actions to hold the fire there. Dozers opened up access to the 171 road system which is helping firefighters to engage that area. The fire was active in the Comanche Reservoir area but burned downhill and then back into itself limiting spread. While Rocky Mountain National Park and the Long Draw Road at the southern end of the fire are quieter, crews, engines, and air resources are working to minimize southernly movement. Airtankers (including a very large airtanker or VLAT) and helicopters assisted firefighters on the ground throughout the fire, but the gusty winds kept the helicopters from flying much of yesterday afternoon. Crews are also actively working on structure protection ahead of the advancing fire.

The Red flag weather warning is still in effect today and will continue to create challenging fire behavior conditions. Forecasted winds and severe turbulence will possibly hamper air operations. Crews and equipment will continue engaging the fire directly where there is a high probability of success and it is safe to do so.

Closures and Evacuations: For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visit https://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park closures include trails, travel zones, and campsites in the northern part of the park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) is open. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather Conditions: The red flag weather warning continues in effect Saturday for elevations below 9000”. Saturday morning wind gusts are predicted to be up to 60 mph. Sunday, winds will be decreasing to 20 mph with possible rain or snow predicted later in the day.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban until October 31 at noon, for more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7.

9/25 Update at 9:45 am

Red Flag Warning Today 

Current Situation: The northern most portion of the fire continues to have the most activity. Helicopters and air tankers were used to assist ground crews who are extinguishing hot spots and building fire lines. Dozers opened up the 171 road system and connected line to the 198 road around the tip of the thumb. The fire was active in the Comanche Reservoir area, bucket work and retardant are all being used to minimize southernly movement. There is very little fire activity in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Long Draw Road is being patrolled. A new smoke was spotted from the Grass Lakes area, aviation resources helped to stop the spread. Firefighters working at night are primarily strengthening fire lines and extinguishing any hot spots.

A Red flag weather warning is in effect today, which creates a “heads up” day for firefighters. Today, the “thumb” will continue to be the focus. A red flag warning could create extreme fire behavior. Forecasted high winds could potentially ground air resources. Crews and equipment will continue to go direct on the “thumb,” engaging where there is a high probability of success and it is safe to do so. Other crews and engines will continue improving the Manhattan, Deadman, and 171 road systems.

Closures and Evacuations: For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visit https://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather Conditions: Red flag weather warning will be in effect until Saturday evening. Before sunrise on Saturday morning, it is predicted that wind gusts may be up to 30 mph along the ridgelines.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban until October 31 at noon, for more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7.

9/24 Update at 11 am

Containment Increases on the Western Edge   

Current Situation: Yesterday firefighters continued to go direct on the active part of the fire. Firefighters are working to create fire lines on both north and south sides of the “thumb” using hand tools and bulldozers with help from air resources. Hotshot crews are working west of the Killpecker line to dig hand line to corral the rest of the northern perimeter. Burnout operations to secure Highway 14 corridor were completed. Containment increased to 27 percent which came from the western side of the fire from Joe Wright Reservoir north.

Today, dozers will work to connect the remaining line on the northern side of the “thumb” and open road systems to the south side of the thumb. Engines and crews will be removing fuels and extend additional hose lays on the Manhattan Road. East of Comanche Reservoir, crews will continue prepping the dozer line and monitoring the fire, using helicopter bucket drops if necessary. Chipping of brush removed from Glen Echo to Buckhorn will resume and the rest of the fire perimeter will be in mop-up and patrol status.

Closures and Evacuations: Voluntary evacuations were lifted for CR27 to CR44H/Pennock. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Red Feather Lakes and Crystal Lakes. Voluntary evacuation orders are also in place for Glacier View filings, the Lady Moon area, and Magic Sky Ranch area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visit https://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather Conditions: Temperatures will be unseasonably warm with low humidity levels and gusty winds up to 30 miles per hour. Winds will pick up overnight as a pressure system moves off to the east. A fire weather watch will be in effect today, tomorrow it will be upgraded to red flag warning.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban until October 31 at noon, for more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): With the increase in fire activity the TFR expanded approximately five miles to the northeast. It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For More Information:

Public Information: (970) 541-1008, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Media Inquiries: (970) 541-0563
JIC Info Center: (970) 980-2500, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire

Interactive StoryMap: https://arcg.is/1ayXeD0

Smoke Update: https://tinyurl.com/y2duao6r

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/cameronpeakfire

Cameron Peak Fire Statistics:
Size: 104,791 acres
Containment: 27%
Total Personnel: 835
Location:25 mi E of Walden;
15 mi SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO Reported: August 13
Cause: Under investigation

9/23 Update at 10 am

Additional Fire Resources Have Arrived    

Current Situation: Last night firefighters used heavy equipment to continue building line near the 517 road. Working during the nighttime allows firefighters to work in cooler temperatures with less wind. Nighttime burnout operations were also conducted in the Highway 14 corridor west of the fire station 2. Burning allowed firefighters to ease the fire down to the highway. Today, additional fire resources have arrived, including two additional hotshot crews who are building direct line on the northern portion of the “thumb.”  

Firefighters are using hand tools, heavy equipment, and aerial resources to flank the fire, making progress towards the head. Helicopters and air tankers will be used throughout the day to drop water and retardant. Structure protection groups and surge forces will continue to be in the Crystal Lakes and Red Feather Lakes areas. Mop-up, patrol, and chipping activities are occurring in other areas of the fire.  

Despite multiple challenges, firefighters are making progress. Additional containment was added to the perimeter on the southeast corner near Buckhorn. Elevated fire weather conditions this week continue to present hazardous conditions because of potential outflow winds in the afternoon.  

The Cameron Peak Fire Joint Information Center (JIC) is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 970–980-2500 to answer all questions about evacuations and road closures. 

Closures and Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Red Feather Lakes and Crystal Lakes. Voluntary evacuation orders are also in place for Glacier View filings, the Lady Moon area, and Magic Sky Ranch area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visit https://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm 

Weather Conditions: The temperature for the next few days will hover around the mid-60s with humidity in the teens. Turning cloudy and a little cooler with a chance of showers and storms with gusty outflow winds. 

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban until October 31 at noon, for more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): With the increase in fire activity the TFR expanded approximately five miles to the northeast. It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/22 Update at 10 am

Firefighters Working Day and Night 

Current Situation: Firefighters are working day and night shifts on the Cameron Peak Fire. Because the fire has burned into more favorable terrain, large air tankers will continue to drop retardant to slow advancement. Yesterday, large air tankers dropped retardant to flank the fire and prepare for night shift.  Dozers and heavy equipment built line into the night along the flanks of the head near the 517 road. Working during the night buys time as cooler temperatures and less wind moderate fire behavior. The strategy is to pinch off the head of the fire with direct lines on the flanks.

Today, the area west of the Manhattan Road will remain the most active. The plan is to continue to work with aerial resources, crews, and heavy equipment to reinforce the right and left flank lines making progress towards the head. Structure protection groups and surge forces in Crystal Lakes and Red Feather Lakes will continue to be ready if needed. Mop-up and patrol will be happening in most other areas of the fire.

The elevated fire weather conditions this week continue to present hazardous conditions because of potential outflow winds in the afternoon. Although some rain is predicted, the chances of the rain over the fire area remain low.

The Cameron Peak Fire Joint Information Center (JIC) is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 970-980-2500 to answer all questions about evacuations and road closures.

Closures and Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Red Feather Lakes and Crystal Lakes. Voluntary evacuation orders are also in place for Glacier View filings, the Lady Moon area, and Magic Sky Ranch area.For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visit https://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: The temperature for the next few days will hover around the mid-60s with humidity in the teens. Turning cloudy and a little cooler with a chance of showers and storms with gusty outflow winds.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit:https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban until October 31 at noon, for more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): With the increase in fire activity the TFR expanded approximately five miles to the northeast. It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/21 Update at 10 am   

Fire Activity Increases Again Due to High Winds

Current Situation: A combination of 35 miles per hour winds, heavy dead fuels and steep terrain caused the fire to make a run early yesterday afternoon and spread to the northeast from “thumb” past the Killpecker line. Spotting occurred up to ½ mile ahead of the fire. The increased fire activity caused our firefighters to retreat to their safety zones for approximately 45 minutes. Additional resources were ordered, and the head of the fire was worked with air tankers and heavy helicopters. Crews bedded down during the day to prepare for night operations which included going direct where possible off the 517 road and preparing for a possible burnout operation should the need arise. A surge force of 15 engines and will arrive for support today of day operations. Pumps, water, hose and sprinklers were already in place along existing contingency fire lines.

Today, the fire has burned into flatter terrain, which will give firefighters a better chance to go direct and engage the fire along the fire edge. This landscape also provides conditions favorable in the use of large airtankers. Helicopters and single engine air tankers (SEATs) will drop water and fire retardant to take heat out of the fire to reduce advancement. The indirect lines along the Deadman and Manhattan Roads were developed in preparation for this type of event. Firefighters and heavy equipment (such as bulldozers and masticators) will be used strategically where we can safely engage the fire using direct and indirect actions. The northern, southern, western, and southeastern parts of the fire are expected to remain less active.

The Cameron Peak Fire Joint Information Center (JIC) is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at (970) 980-2500 to answer all questions about evacuations and road closures.

Closures and Evacuations: Two additional mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Red Feather and Crystal Lakes. Additional voluntary evacuation orders were issued for Glacier View filings, the Lady Moon area, and Magic Sky Ranch area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, visit https://nocoalert.org. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area is available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Winds will shift to the southwest for tomorrow as a storm system moves through the area. The temperature for the next few days will remain in the 60s with humidity in the teens.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure, for more information visit:https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County has implemented a fire ban, for more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. Also, the State of Colorado has implemented a statewide open fire ban until October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/20 Update at 10 am 

Winds Will Test Firelines as Storms Move Through

Current Situation:  Fire managers were prepared for a busy day yesterday with the arrival of a storm system bringing gusty wind conditions from 15-30 mph. Winds promoted fire activity resulting in the Highway 14 corridor experiencing greater fire behavior. The bulk of resources were working on the Green Mountain area at the west end of Highway 14 (“the thumb”) which continues to present challenges. Air support in the form of helicopters and single engine air tankers (SEATs) were instrumental in keeping the fire at bay allowing time to expand direct and indirect fire lines. Crews sustained progress on the primary direct line of “the thumb” where several miles remain. Progress continued on indirect fire line along the 517 road which would serve as a second line of defense. Work continued on the contingency line from Deadman Road to Manhattan Road. Other existing firelines were patrolled with mop-up, and in some cases, helicopter water drops were made when vegetation near the fireline began to smoke and burn. Glen Haven and Estes Park communities remained secure.

Today, firefighters will add depth and expand fire lines around the 237 mile perimeter. Windy conditions and possible thunderstorms will serve as a test of existing firelines. These storms are not expected to bring much moisture over the fire area. Resources will patrol all sides of the fire to ensure existing lines are uncompromised, but the majority of resources will work the north and northwest sides.

Closures and Evacuations: Both mandatory and voluntary evacuations continue in the fire area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closure around the fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Winds will shift to the southwest for tomorrow as a storm system moves through the area. The temperatures for the next few days will remain in the 60s with humidity in the teens.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf for more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/19 Update at 10 am 

Fire Activity Mirrors Yesterday

Current Situation:  Yesterday’s operations included firefighters and heavy equipment continuing to work on indirect fire line and fuels reduction on the north side in the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions and on the southeastern and southern side in the communities of Estes Park and Glen Haven.  Fire conditions and operational activities were largely unchanged from the last few days. As predicted, the Green Ridge area along Highway 14 (“the thumb”) was active and firefighters worked in conjunction with helicopters to connect the line.  Unfortunately, work was limited to morning hours before fire activity posed too much risk to firefighters. In this area, firefighters are opening existing spur roads in the hopes of accelerating progress by improving access while mitigating some of the risks.  Crews continued with patrol and mop-up on containment lines near Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road and Buckhorn Road towards Comanche Reservoir and on the west side.

Today, firefighters will contend with a storm system moving in to the area that will include breezy conditions, thunderstorm activity, and possible dry lightning.  Winds will be from the southwest and increasing on Sunday.  As weather and fire activity allows, firefighters will continue building direct fire lines where it is safe, monitoring existing lines, and continue with contingency preparations around communities and subdivisions in proximity to the fire.

Closures and Evacuations: Both mandatory and voluntary evacuations continue around the fire area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The footprint of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closure around the fire was reduced along the eastern and southern boundary and can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6964/0/107171.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A high pressure system will continue in place through Saturday. The temperatures for the next few days will drop to the 60s with humidity remaining in the teens.  Winds will shift to the southeast for tomorrow and to the southwest for the rest of the week. By the weekend a storm system will move in from the south and possibly bring thunderstorms to the area.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf for more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/18 Update at 10 am

Containment Grows, Fire Activity Unchanged

Current Situation:  Yesterday, containment increased to 15% due to successfully connecting fire line on the east side along the Pingree Park Road.  The fire perimeter continued to remain unchanged despite the very smokey conditions.  In all sections of the fire, fire activity mirrored the past few days with the Green Ridge area along Highway 14 (“the thumb”) being the most active and heavily supported with helicopters.  Progress on this section of line was made although it continues to be slow-going due to the distance needed to connect lines and additional hazards posed to firefighter safety.  Construction of the contingency indirect lines and structure protection in the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions also continued.  The sections of line along Highway 14, Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road and Buckhorn Road to Comanche Reservoir remained stable allowing extra firefighting resources to focus on other areas of the fire.  This included Estes Park and Glen Haven with structure assessment and indirect fire line construction.          

Today’s weather will exemplify a typical September day in the Rocky Mountains with temperatures around 70 degrees, low humidity and mild winds.  These conditions will result in smoke being settled and visible in the communities around the fire area.  Both fire behavior and firefighting efforts are expected to be nearly identical to yesterday.  Firefighters will continue constructing fire lines with the goal of tying fire lines together on the perimeter to prevent fire growth and protect subdivisions and communities.  The northwestern corner is expected to be the most active with multiple firefighting crews supported by helicopters continuing to connect fire line as conditions allow.  Additional firefighting crews will be arriving to aid in the overarching goal of expanding containment while keeping the fire at its current footprint.

Closures and Evacuations: Voluntary evacuations were lifted for the Stratton park area; Mandatory evacuations were downgraded to voluntary for the following areas: Highway 14 from Stove Prairie Landing west to Kelly Flats, and County Road 44H from Pennock Pass to County Road 27, for a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. Information about the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closure around the fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/map6964.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A high pressure system will continue in place until Saturday. The temperatures for the next few days will drop to the 60s with humidity remaining in the teens.  Winds will shift to the southeast for tomorrow and to the southwest for the rest of the week. By the weekend a storm system will move in from the south and possibly bring thunderstorms to the area.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf for more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/17 Update at 10 am 

Dave Gesser, Southwest Area Team 3 Incident Commander

Higher Humidity Results in Lessened Fire Activity

Current Situation:  The Green Ridge area along Highway 14 (“the thumb”) was the most active section of the fire yesterday.  Firefighters supported by helicopters made some progress on this section of line, however steep slopes, beetle-killed trees, and access present increased hazards to firefighters.  In the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions the contingency line was also strengthened by locating additional resources to enhance structure protection and continue vegetation removal.  On the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern perimeters; Highway 14, Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road and Buckhorn Road to Comanche Reservoir respectively, lines remained secure.  In the areas of Estes Park and Glen Haven, fire managers refined plans to conduct structure protection and also worked to build indirect lines around communities, should they be needed.  Overall, fire activity was lessened due to higher humidity in the afternoon.

Today, firefighters will continue constructing direct and indirect fire lines and implementing structure protection. Established firefighting tactics will continue with resources working on all sides of the fire and the bulk of resources located on the northwestern and northern sides where fire is the most active and winds are pushing the fire.  Fire activity will remain elevated with the dry conditions, warm temperatures, and low humidity.  This weekend fire perimeters will once again be tested with a thunderstorm expected to bring gusty erratic winds although an increase in humidity, lower temperatures, and possible rain are expected to prevent spread and diminish fire activity.

Closures and Evacuations: For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of the closure area can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/map6964.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened and is now open across the park. For more specific information on these closures and a map, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A high pressure system will continue in place until Saturday. The temperatures for the next few days will drop to the 60s with humidity remaining in the teens.  Winds will shift to the southeast for tomorrow and to the southwest for the rest of the week. By the weekend a storm system will move in from the south and possibly bring thunderstorms to the area.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf for more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

9/16 Update at 10 am

Containment Increases

Current Situation:  Yesterday, firefighters established containment in the section of fire just south of Highway 14 from east of Glen Echo and west of the Pingree Park Road. Containment efforts are ongoing along Highway 14, Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road and the Buckhorn Road to Comanche Reservoir. The fire flared up in the Green Ridge area along Highway 14 (“the thumb”) under the increased winds. Five heavy helicopters worked to moderate fire activity so crews could continue to make progress on multiple sections of line. Firefighters used heavy equipment and crews to continue contingency line construction and structure protection efforts in the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions.

Today and over the next several days, fire activity is expected to increase due to drying fuels, warm temperatures, and low humidity.  Firefighters will continue working in and around communities in proximity to the fire’s perimeter doing structure protection and indirect line construction.  Direct line construction along Buckhorn Road to Comanche Reservoir, Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road, and Highway 14 will be ongoing. More firefighters will be shifted to “the thumb” and other areas of the perimeter to build direct and indirect fire line.  Secured lines will be monitored to ensure the perimeter remains uncompromised.

Closures and Evacuations: The voluntary evacuation for Glacier View was lifted yesterday.  For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of the closure area can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/map6964.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened and is now open across the park. For more specific information on these closures and a map, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A high pressure system will continue in place until Saturday. The temperatures for the next few days will drop to the 60s with humidity remaining in the teens.  Winds will shift to the southeast for tomorrow and to the southwest for the rest of the week. By the weekend a storm system will move in from the south and possibly bring thunderstorms to the area.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf for more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm, Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Cameron Peak Fire Statistics: 

Size: 102,596 acres

Containment: 8%

Total Personnel: 1032

Location: 25 mi E of Walden; 15 mi SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO

Reported: August 13

Cause: Under investigation

9/15 Update at 10 am 

Dave Gesser, Southwest Area Team 3 Incident Commander

Firefighters Closing Gaps Despite Challenging Conditions

Current Situation: During the past 24 hours, good progress was made on direct fire lines along the Buckhorn Road to Comanche Reservoir, Pingree Park Road, Highway 14 and the section of fire above Highway 14 (the Thumb) despite the rugged terrain and distance required for line construction. Firefighters also continued construction of indirect fire line and structure protection measures near the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions to protect these communities, should the fire move in that direction where there is unburned fuel. Helicopter operations focused on hot spots in the Thumb that was very active and in Rocky Mountain National Park where some flare ups occurred. Fire officials from Estes Park, Glen Haven and surrounding communities met to refine the last several days planning efforts and began developing implementation strategies for work in these areas.

Today, a multipronged approach will continue on the western, northern, and eastern perimeters as fire managers seek to construct a boundary around the fire to box it in. Extra resources will be located along the Buckhorn Road and Comanche Lake section of fire line to prevent perimeter growth from the anticipated northwesterly wind event. Air operations will continue supporting ground crews as needed, focusing on the most active areas of the fire where hot spots have been observed and fire activity is picking up. In the coming days, once firefighters are able to secure existing fire lines and connect them together, containment will increase.

Closures and Evacuations:Today the voluntary evacuation for Glacier View was lifted. There are both mandatory and voluntary evacuations in place throughout the area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visithttps://nocoalert.orgfor more information. The Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of the closure area can be found athttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/map6964. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a variety of closures on trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened and is now open across the park. For more specific information on these closures and a map, visithttps://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions:A high pressure system will remain in place throughout the week and the temperatures will remain in the 70s with humidity in the teens. Tomorrow will bring a change in the winds with gusts from the northwest up to 25 mph. The wind will be a good test of the establish firelines and mop up efforts to see where additional work needs to be completed and what sections of the line are holding. By the weekend a storm system will move in from the south and possibly bringing thunderstorms to the area.

Fire Restrictions:The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdffor more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please seehttps://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available athttps://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

9/14 Update at 10 am

Fire Activity Picking Up

Current Situation:  With warm temperatures, low humidity and a sunny day the snow continued to melt rapidly, and the fire activity became more noticeable. Conditions remained favorable allowing firefighters to mop-up and construct direct firelines along Buckhorn Road to Comanche Reservoir, Pingree Park Road and Highway 14. Structure protection and indirect fireline construction occurred near the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions. This strategy will continue for the next several weeks as the fire perimeter is approximately 237 miles covering rough country with steep slopes, downed logs, trees and snags. Fire managers were successful in identifying the future fireline location in the Green Ridge area referred to as “the thumb” and resources began constructing direct line in the area. Aided by firefighters on the ground, helicopters with water drops were utilized in the area to put out hot spots. Planning and structure assessments continued for Estes Park, Glen Haven and surrounding communities.

Today, firefighters will focus direct line construction and mop up along Buckhorn Road and Comanche Lake section of the line in anticipation of the arrival of a northwesterly wind predicted for Tuesday. Work will continue on other sections of the fire, but surge forces will be focused in on the Buckhorn/Pingree Park area.

Closures and Evacuations: There are both mandatory and voluntary evacuations in place throughout the area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of the closure area can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/map6964.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented the following closures: A number of trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites are closed in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) has reopened and is now open across the park. For more specific information on these closures and a map, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A high pressure system has settled over the region bringing with it warm temperatures in the 60s-70s and humidities in the teens. Winds will be light and variable on Monday, but Tuesday will see breezier conditions out of the northwest. This weather pattern is expected to persist to the weekend when the area is expected to experience another round of thunderstorms.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf for more information. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please seehttps://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm  Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Cameron Peak Fire Statistics: 

Size: 102,596 acres

Containment: 4%

Total Personnel: 1054

Location: 25 mi E of Walden; 15 mi SW of Redfeather Lakes, CO

Reported: August 13

  Cause: Under investigation

9/13 Update at 10 am

Melting Snow Provides Opportunities for Direct Attack

Current Situation: No perimeter growth was experienced yesterday due to remaining snow and moisture.  These conditions allowed fire managers to utilize firefighters in lower elevations along the Buckhorn Road, Pingree Park Road and Highway 14 to hold the fire perimeter and build direct fire line tying into control features such as roads, rock outcroppings, and water features. As a precautionary measure, firefighting resources also worked on structure protection and indirect fire line in Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, and Glacier View subdivisions.  In Estes Park and surrounding communities, the fire chief worked with managers of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 to assess structures and establish a defensible plan.

Today, weather will be typical of mid-September with highs in the 60s and sunny which will melt snow.  Fire activity will still be minimal, allowing firefighters to continue building direct fire line on the west, north and east sides of the fire edge.  Line construction on the alternate containment lines is ongoing as well as scouting options for direct line construction opportunities in the Green Ridge area. Steep slopes, heavy fuel loading, and standing dead trees present increased complexity and hazards to firefighters.  As lower elevation fire line is established and maintained, crews will follow receding snow into higher elevations employing the same tactics by using surge resources for line construction.

Closures and Evacuations: There are both mandatory and voluntary evacuations in place throughout the area. For a full list of evacuations and road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The Roosevelt NF has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of the closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt.  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented the following closures: A number of trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites are closed in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) reopened yesterday and is now open across the park. For more specific information on these closures and a map, visit https://go.usa.gov/xGWXf.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Sunday will be sunny and warmer with maximum temperatures 55-65 degrees. High pressure will build over the Rockies and persist through the weekend and the upcoming week. Temperatures will warm back towards near normal today and above normal for next week. The high pressure will result in mostly light to moderate slope-driven winds through the week. Mostly sunny skies are expected for much of the week ahead.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://go.usa.gov/xGCfTto learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb. Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

9/12 Update at 10 am

From the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team

9/11 Update at 10 am

Current Situation:Yesterday, fire behavior continued to be minimal with pockets of isolated heat remaining in some areas of the fire. This minimal activity allowed firefighters to “mop-up” areas of heat along accessible roadways, reinforcing existing fire lines, and constructing direct fire line where feasible. The mop up operations include cutting up and extinguishing larger fuels such as smoldering logs and stumps that can hold pockets of heat for long periods of time. Progress was made along Highway 14, Pingree Park Road, and Buckhorn Road as mop-up continued around structures. Firefighter and public safety continued to be the top priority as many of the secondary unpaved roads were icy early in the day. Many roads continued to be impassable due to downed trees, powerlines, and rockslides which firefighters and agency partners are working to clear to give utilities and assessment crews access. Weather patterns remained favorable for containment with the soil and fuels still saturated from the storm earlier this week and additional overnight moisture received in the form of rain and snow on some parts of the fire. While the wet and snowy conditions are very favorable for minimal fire activity and spread, it does present added safety hazards to firefighters working on steep slopes that are now slippery and snow covered.

Crews will again be working in areas that are accessible. As conditions improve firefighters will be able to access additional locations to continue mop up and containment actions along the fire perimeter to reduce threats from smoldering fuels and open fire edge. Firefighters will also continue to strengthen protection measures around homes and other values at risk.

At 6:00 a.m. on September 12, Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 will assume command of the fire. The Portland NIMO team and Rocky Mountain Team Black are rotating off of the incident to prepare for their next assignments.

Closures and Evacuations:There are both mandatory and voluntary evacuations in place throughout the area. For a full list of evacuations, both mandatory and voluntary, as well as road closures, please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. The Roosevelt NF has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of the closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented the following closures: Trail Ridge Road at Rainbow Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. The closure was initially put in place on Sunday afternoon due to safety concerns tied to the potential of heavy smoke and low visibility on this high elevation road. The closure has remained in place due to drifted snow and significant ice. It is unknown when Trail Ridge Road will reopen. This closure includes access to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Old Fall River Road is also closed until further notice. A number of trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites are closed in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. For more specific information on these closures and a map, visit https://go.usa.gov/xGWXf.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:Light snow showers will linger across the area through early this afternoon before coming to an end and skies begin to clear. Less than half an inch of additional snow accumulation is expected. It will be a windy day today with strong west winds of gusts to 40 mph. Look for clear skies tonight and Saturday with much lighter winds Saturday. Mostly sunny skies through the extended forecast with temperatures rising back into the 70s. Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb. Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado through October 7.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

9/10 Update at 10 am 

Access to the Cameron Peak Fire Difficult; Crews Increase and Go Direct

NORTH ZONE – Current Situation: Crews will be working in all divisions constructing control line, mopping up around properties, and continuing protection efforts along Highway 14, Pingree Park Road, and the Buckhorn Road, including Monument Gulch. Crews will be mopping up to remove heat from areas of the fire near values at risk in these areas to reduce the chances of these spots becoming more active. Direct line construction will be taking place on the south, east, and north flanks in places where there are opportunities for success. Indirect line construction will resume between the fire and the Glacier View, Red Feather Lakes, and Crystal Lakes communities. Fire activity will again be diminished today due to low temperatures and precipitation. 1,200 personnel are now assigned to the Cameron Peak Fire, an increase of about 300 firefighters from just a few days ago. 

Closures and Evacuations: There are both mandatory and voluntary evacuations in place throughout the area. For a full list of evacuations, both mandatory and voluntary, as well as road closures, please visithttps://nocoalert.org for more information. The Roosevelt NF has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt.

SOUTH ZONE – Current Situation: Due to the snowstorm that moved into the area on Tuesday morning, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team continued to focus their attention on strategic planning including expanding knowledge of values at risk with some scouting for fire line placement in lower elevations. Road conditions and access continue to be a limitation. When roads become passable and it is safe for firefighters to successfully engage, crews will resume building fire line, providing point protection and structure mitigation.  The snow has made an impact on the fire with some places not holding much heat; however larger fuels are still holding heat due to their density. The fire will become active as the days begin to warm, the winds increase, and the humidity drops later this week and smoke will be increasingly more visible.  However, fire crews will be taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and moisture over the next few days starting in the lower elevations by building direct fire line with the goal of containing the fire at its current footprint.  Planning with agency partners will continue to account for ongoing changing fire and weather conditions.

Closures and Evacuations:  Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented the following closures: Trail Ridge Road at Rainbow Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. The closure was initially put in place on Sunday afternoon due to safety concerns tied to the potential of heavy smoke and low visibility on this high elevation road.  The closure has remained in place due to drifted snow and significant ice. It is unknown when Trail Ridge Road will reopen. This closure includes access to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Old Fall River Road is also closed until further notice.  A number of trails, cross country zones and wilderness campsites are closed in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park.  For more specific information on these closures and a map, visit https://go.usa.gov/xGWXf. 

There are voluntary evacuations for the areas of the Glen Haven Retreat, the town of Glen Haven, and Storm Mountain. Please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions: It will be slightly warmer today with a chance of light snow showers early, transitioning over to light rain showers in the afternoon. A few snow showers will continue through tonight with little to no snow accumulation. Winds will generally be light through tonight. A front moving through the area tomorrow will bring an increase in winds and a chance for some rain or snow showers. A gradual warming trend will continue each day becoming a little drier and warmer with abundant sunshine beginning this weekend.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb. Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Cameron Peak Fire Statistics: 

Size: 102,596 acres

Containment: 4%

Total Personnel: 1,200

Location: 25 mi E of Walden; 15 mi SW of Redfeather Lakes, CO

Reported: August 13

Cause: Under investigation

    Joint Information Center: 970-980-2500

09/09 Update at 11:30 am

9/8 Update at 1:12 pm

Cameron Peak Fire surpasses 100k acres; cold front expected to slow fire activity

Current Situation: Low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds combined to produce extreme fire behavior on Monday pushing the Cameron Peak Fire to 102,596 acres. Early in the day, the Cameron Peak Fire moved across the indirect lines at Pingree Park continued eastward. The winds that were predicted for the day picked up early driving the fire and grounding aircraft. All resources were in a defensive posture throughout the day with most efforts focused on structure protection in areas expected to be impacted by the fire and strengthening indirect lines. An additional 50 engines were ordered for structure protection groups; those engines arrived throughout the day and were assigned to protection duties in the Pingree Park, Buckhorn, and Stove Prairie Road areas as well as Highway 14.

The situation in those areas evolved rapidly as the fire crossed the Pingree Park Road to the Buckhorn Road and moved north to Highway 14. Towards the end of the day, the finger of the fire that had been stalled out in Green Ridge north of Highway 14, moved northeast towards Kinikinik reaching and crossing the Roaring Creek drainage. The rapid changing fire situation resulted in the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office issuing multiple changes in evacuation orders within the surrounding communities as the fire moved past predetermined management action points.

Yesterday, the Type 2 Southwest Area Incident Management Team #3 (IMT), under Incident Commander Dave Gesser, traveled to the Cameron Peak Fire. As of 6 am today, the team has assumed command of the South Zone of the Cameron Peak Fire.  They will focus on the portion of the fire within Rocky Mountain National Park. The team is working with RMNP, Estes Valley Fire Chief, Estes Park Police Chief, and Larimer County Sheriff to develop their operations plan for the upcoming days. The team will develop a plan to provide for firefighter and public safety while working to protect values at risk. They will also look at opportunities to directly engage the fire if they can do so safely should it continue to move through the National Park.

Today crews will be taking advantage of the cold temperatures and snow to assess the effects of the fire, monitor and suppress hot spots, and plan additional control lines in anticipation of temperatures warming and fuels drying in the coming week. Structure assessments will be ongoing as responders can gain access to the areas impacted by the fire. Notifications of property damage will be made by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office as losses are confirmed.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A cold front has moved into the area overnight bringing cold temperatures and precipitation. The weather is expected to remain cold with rain and snow over the fire area for the next several days. The area will begin to warm by Friday as the precipitation will taper off and the fuels will begin to dry.

Closures and Evacuations: As of the time of this update mandatory evacuations are still in effect for: Lady Moon, Red Feather Highlands, Red Feather Lakes, Crystal Lakes, CR27 to Big Bear Rd, Rist Canyon Rd, Hwy 14 from Gateway to Stove Prairie Park, South of Deadman Road to Hwy 14 to the junction of 103 Rd and 190 Rd south, portions of the Rawah Wilderness and Neota Wilderness, and Road 156. Voluntary evacuations are still in effect for: Glen Haven, Storm Mountain, CR27 to Masonville, Buckskin Heights, and Laramie River Road from the junction of Laramie River Road and 190 Road north. This list is not comprehensive so please visit https://nocoalert.org for more information on evacuation areas and road closures. The Roosevelt NF has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt. Rocky Mountain NP also has closures in effect; those can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgx6.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb. Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

9/4 Update at 10 am

Critical Fire Weather Watch – Fire Activity and Smoke to Increase 

 Current Situation: Fire activity intensified on Thursday under Red Flag Warning Conditions, increasing acreage to 23,903.  Containment remains at 6%. Residents and visitors to the area over the Labor Day weekend should expect to see considerable smoke from unburned fuels.

The fire was most active Thursday on Green Ridge in the Highway 14 corridor, along Peterson Lake on Long Draw Road, and on the northwestern perimeter of the fire in the Rawah Wilderness. Small-scale burn out operations were conducted along Green Ridge as part of ongoing structure protection. Air operations provided support to firefighters on the ground by making water drops on hot spots. Line construction and brush clearing continued on indirect line closer toward the fire with watershed protection and a reduced fire “footprint” in mind. Completion is now estimated at 50% on Killpecker line and 60% on the Comanche Wilderness line. Crews estimate two days left of work on the Neota Wilderness line. Resource Advisors provide guidance during line construction in Wilderness to protect natural, cultural, and other resources on wildland fires.

Active fire behavior and increased smoke is expected again today under warm temperatures, sunny skies, and low relative humidity. The fire is expected to make runs on Green Ridge, south of Sleeping Elephant Mountain, and the upper South Fork of the Poudre River areas. Crews will continue to monitor these areas and conduct burn out operations as needed under favorable conditions to protect structures. Chippers will work on the Manhattan Road and Pingree Park Road to reinforce line and remove fuels and debris using chippers and skidders. As crews complete indirect line, they will join structure protection efforts along Highway 14. Structure mitigation with landowner permission and defense planning will continue in Crystal Lakes, Redfeather Lakes, Glacier View and the surrounding areas.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: The fire area is under a Fire Weather Watch Saturday through Monday. Winds will be mostly light and variable today with minimum relative humidity dropping to around 10%. The combination of warm temperatures, sunny skies, and low relative humidity will increase fire activity. Fire activity will continue to be fuels and terrain driven. Saturday will be the hottest and driest day this weekend with minimum relative humidity possibly as low as single digits.

Closures and Evacuations: Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. Larimer County adjusted evacuations for certain areas on Thursday, however other areas remain on mandatory evacuation orders. More information on evacuation areas and road closures can be found athttps://www.larimer.org/cameron-peak-fire. The Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt. Rocky Mountain National Park also has closures in effect; those can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgx6.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb. Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

9/3 Update at 4:30 pm

COVID POSITIVE INDIVIDUAL HAD OTHER CONTACTS 

A firefighter on the Cameron Peak Fire with COVID-19 symptoms tested positive on September 1. However, before being quarantined, the firefighter had contact with other people, mostly from his crew, in one of the fire’s forward operating bases (FOBs) but likely not as many as first thought due to safety protocols. A forward operating base is a smaller camp for firefighters where they live, eat and sleep, away from the main Incident Command Post. FOBs have been used on this fire as a COVID-19 mitigation, to reduce the number of people living in a single space. The FOB was locked down and secured Wednesday night under the authority of the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment due to the potential exposure of 184 personnel to the positive individual. Today, however, there is reasonable belief that only 25 people had direct contact and nine others had possible contact.

The positive individual had just arrived at the FOB for the night when he felt ill and it was only those who went to help him that were directly exposed. It’s possible that some of the 25 were not in contact long enough to be considered exposed per county guidelines. Fire medical personnel, with the support of the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, is determining who meets the county guidelines for isolation or quarantine. There has been no close contact between the individuals with positive cases and the local community.

The Colorado National Guard Rapid Response team has been deployed to conduct testing. Those who test positive will be relocated and isolated per the county’s guidelines. Those who may have been exposed will be tested, relocated and quarantined. Negative tests will be repeated until the county’s guidelines are met and they can be released from quarantine. Those in the FOB determined to have had no contact with the individual will have testing available to them. During the 24-hour waiting period for results, those people will be in “working quarantine” and will continue to work on the fire in small groups using all safe practices. If their tests come back negative, those individuals will be put back on the fireline.

Incident Commander Bea Day explains, “We have a responsibility to this community and to other states to ensure that our people are healthy before we send them home. We know that keeping anyone isolated or quarantined won’t be popular, but it’s the right thing to do. It’s due to the exceptionally good social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing practices at the FOB, that this wasn’t worse.”

All individuals who will be in quarantine or isolation will be cared for by the Cameron Peak Fire. They will have daily check-ins from medical personnel and have food and toiletry items delivered and any other needs taken care of by the Cameron Peak Fire.

Cleaning and sterilization of the FOB will be done after all effected individuals have left so the base will be operational again, hopefully soon. The COVID-19 mitigation efforts that have been in place will remain in place at all FOBs and the Incident Command Post.

Since the Cameron Peak Fire began on August 13, more than 850 different individuals from more than 35 states have worked on the fire. Of these, four have tested positive for COVID-19. The first three cases were identified over a week ago, with the fourth case being confirmed yesterday.

9/3 Update at 10 am

Red Flag Warning in Effect Today; Increased Fire Activity Expected 

Community Meeting Planned Today: Please join us on Facebook for a Virtual Community Meeting today, September 3, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. Representatives from the Incident Management Team as well as cooperating agencies, including the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, will provide updates and answer your questions about the Cameron Peak Fire.

Current Situation: Fire behavior increased on Wednesday as fuels dried and winds increased, and the acreage is now at 23,137 acres. Containment remains at 6%.

On Wednesday, visible smoke columns rose from monitored hotspots on the fire perimeter as weather conditions aligned to rekindle fire activity. The fire was most active on the northeastern perimeter as the fire flanked along Green Ridge – crews were on site monitoring the fire and ensuring the safety of nearby structures. Crews monitored fire activity and patrolled Highway 14, Laramie River Road taking structure protection actions as needed. Structure groups assigned to the communities northeast of the fire continued to assess and formulate plans for additional resources should the fire begin to threaten the area. Crews completed about 40% of the line south of Deadman Road toward the Killpecker Tower. The surge crew assigned to the fire continued to build handline south from Crown Point Road into the Comanche Peak Wilderness, and that line is now estimated at 50% completion. Crews also worked to construct indirect line from Cameron Pass through the Neota Wilderness; that line is estimated at 70% complete.

Today, crews will monitor fire activity along the fire’s perimeter and provide point protection and structure mitigation as needed. Structure mitigation with landowner permission and defense planning will continue in Crystal Lakes, Redfeather Lakes, Glacier View and the surrounding areas. Efforts to complete indirect line to connect areas of minimal fuel in the Comanche Peak Wilderness and Neota Wilderness will continue. Construction of the Killpecker line from Deadman road south to Highway 14 will continue today.

 Weather & Fuel Conditions: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Red Flag Warning is the result of dry, warm, and windy conditions that will combine to increase fire activity. As fuels continue to dry, active fire behavior and increased smoke is expected today. Relative humidity will continue to drop into single digits by the weekend resulting in the continuation of critical fire weather.

Closures and Evacuations:Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. Larimer County has mandatory evacuation orders in place near the fire. More information on evacuation areas and road closures can be found at https://www.larimer.org/cameron-peak-fire. The Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt. Rocky Mountain National Park also has closures in effect; those can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgx6.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb. Larimer County also has a fire ban in place through September 18, 2020. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy. A statewide open fire ban is also in effect for the State of Colorado.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

9/2 Update at 10 am

Portland National Incident Management Organization 

Bea Day, NIMO Incident Commander

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 

Troy Hagan, Team Black Incident Commander

Indirect Line Construction Continues As Warm, Dry Weather Returns  

Current Situation: Fire behavior was minimal on Tuesday. The fire grew by 15 acres and is now 23,037 acres according to an overnight mapping flight. Containment increased to 6% due to better mapping of the western edge of the fire.

On Tuesday, crews continued monitoring and continued prep of structures within the fire area on Highway 14, Manhattan Road, Deadman Road, Laramie River Road, Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road, and other areas surrounding the fire perimeter. As crews completed indirect line to protect surrounding communities, they have shifted to areas closer to the fire perimeter to begin construction on additional indirect lines. The surge group began building indirect line from Crown Point Road toward the Comanche Peak Wilderness. Crews also began construction on indirect line from Cameron Pass through the Neota Wilderness.

Today, crews will continue to monitor and patrol structures that have been prepped over the past weeks. Structure prep and assessments will continue in communities northeast of the fire and along Buckhorn Road. Crews and heavy equipment will continue to improve indirect lines established over the past few days. Heavy equipment will be used to construct line north of the Crown Point Road. The surge group will continue their efforts to build line south from the Crown Point Road to connect to natural features in the Comanche Peak Wilderness. Crews on the southwest side of the fire will scout for opportunities to construct lines in the Coral Creek area northwest of the Rocky Mountain National Park boundary and will monitor structure protection that is in place along the western portions of Highway 14 and Long Draw corridors.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: West winds are expected to increase over the fire area Wednesday afternoon at 15-25 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. As dry and warm conditions settle over the fire area through the weekend, fuels will dry, and fire activity is expected to increase.

Closures and Evacuations: Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Yesterday, Larimer County lifted the voluntary evacuation orders near the fire; mandatory evacuation orders remain in place. The Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a closure around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt. Rocky Mountain National Park also has closures in effect; those can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgx6.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

9/1 Update at 10 am

Portland National Incident Management Organization 

Bea Day, NIMO Incident Commander

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 

Troy Hagan, Team Black Incident Commander

Containment Grows to 5%, Aided by Natural Features and Rains 

Current Situation: Recent precipitation and cool temperatures continued to quell fire movement with acres holding steady at 23,022. The fire is now 5% contained after a reconnaissance flight on Monday that found that a section of the western boundary of the fire stopped in sparse fuels along a ridgeline. Fire managers are confident that this section of fire edge is contained.

On Monday, crews continued building and reinforcing indirect lines to protect the communities surrounding the fire area, continuing structure assessments in Crystal Lakes, Redfeather Lakes, and Glacier View communities. Other crews scouted locations to establish interior lines south of Deadman Road, focusing efforts on the area around the 517 Road. Surge forces identified and assessed a route from Crown Point Road to connect ridges and meadows in the Comanche Peak Wilderness and began constructing line outside of the Wilderness. Heavy equipment continued moving to Crown Point Road and should begin line construction today. Structure groups continue to patrol the fire area to monitor fire activity and implement structure protection measures as needed. Crews along the Laramie River Road and across the north side of the fire continued monitoring structures along the Laramie River corridor and cleaning up the indirect lines that connect Laramie River and Deadman roads.

On Tuesday, structure crews will be working their way west to east along Buckhorn Road to assess and implement structure protection measures. Equipment and crews will continue doing line prep using the Crown Point Road, removing vegetation and snags so crews can begin working north towards the Laramie River Road. Other crews will continue work building line south from the Crown Point Road towards the Comanche Peak Wilderness to connect natural features in higher elevations. On the southeast finger of the fire, crews working along Long Draw Road have received approval to construct line into the Neota Wilderness to Highway 14 and will begin that line construction today. Firefighters working in wilderness will be taking special consideration to reduce impact on the wilderness area.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: The fire area received rain overnight, which will continue to minimize fire activity today. While temperatures are expected to be cooler today, a drying and warming trend is forecasted to last into the weekend. Mostly clear skies and dropping relative humidity levels will start on Wednesday and are expected to dry heavy fuels that are holding heat. An increase in winds and drop in relative humidity are predicted to increase fire activity and smoke production today.

Closures and Evacuations: Yesterday, Colorado Department of Transportation moved their road closure on Highway 14 west to Rustic. Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Yesterday, Larimer County lifted the voluntary evacuation orders near the fire; mandatory evacuation orders remain in place. The Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a large closure area around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgxt. Rocky Mountain National Park also has closures in effect; those can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgx6.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please seehttps://go.usa.gov/xGCfb.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

8/31 Update at 10 am

Portland National Incident Management Organization 

Bea Day, NIMO Incident Commander

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 

Troy Hagan, Team Black Incident Commander

Fire Activity Remains Light; Surge Forces Begin Work Off Of Crown Point Road 

Current Situation: Previous days’ precipitation and increased relative humidity limited fire growth with acreage increasing to 23,022 on Sunday.

On Sunday, crews completed indirect lines to protect communities to the northeast of the fire area – work on structure protection in these communities will continue today. Crews continued to patrol and monitor structures along the Laramie River Road and have nearly completed lines that will connect from Laramie River Road to the Deadman Road. Regional surge forces, four crews including two hotshot crews, arrived on the incident and will be building indirect line in closer proximity to the fire. These crews scouted and located areas where indirect line can be constructed from Crown Point Road into high elevation areas in and along the Comanche Peak Wilderness where natural fuel breaks occur. Firefighters in the surge force will establish spike camps in the area they work in to reduce travel time and exposure to other crews. These surge crews are on loan from the Rocky Mountain Coordination Center and will assist on the Cameron Peak Fire for several days, then move on to other high priority assignments in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Today, heavy equipment will continue relocating from the Deadman Road area north of the fire towards Crown Point Road today as part of a shift in resources to the south in closer proximity to the fire perimeter. Surge forces will begin working on constructing line south from the Crown Point Road that was scouted yesterday. Other crews will continue monitoring along Highway 14, Pingree Park Road, Long Draw Road, and on the structures south of the Colorado State University Mountain Campus, as well as all other areas around the fire. Resources will also begin staging along the southern perimeter of the fire near Rocky Mountain National Park and the Neota Wilderness to inhibit potential southern progression of the fire if activity increases.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Precipitation from previous days and relative humidity levels around 20% kept fire activity minimal even as peak wind gusts reached as high as 45 mph on Sunday. Dry weather is expected through this morning with an increase in rain chances in the afternoon accompanied by increasing winds. Today, westerly winds are forecast to be 12-18 mph with gusts up to 35 mph on ridgetops this afternoon. The cooler weather forecast for today and Tuesday ends on Wednesday as a warming and drying trend is predicted through at least Friday. Increasing winds and dropping relative humidity levels are expected to increase fire activity in the coming days.

Closures and Evacuations:Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Kelly Flats Campground to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Yesterday, Larimer County lifted the voluntary evacuation orders near the fire; mandatory evacuation orders remain in place. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests have implemented a large closure area around the fire; a map of that closure area can be found athttps://go.usa.gov/xGgxt. Rocky Mountain National Park also has closures in effect; those can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xGgx6.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

8/29 Update at 10 am  

Current Situation: The Cameron Peak Fire had minimal fire activity on Friday and is now at 23,007 acres.

The fire area received a ¼ in of rain on Friday, which moderated fire activity. Fire crews finished structure assessments along the 103 Road from Stub Creek to Four Corners. Personnel continue to prep the hand line and dozer line north of Deadman Road. Work on the Manhattan Road is complete, and crews are scouting the area for locations to build additional fire line. Structure protection measures have been completed on structures along the Pingree Park Road from the CSU Mountain Campus to Highway 14. The dozer line from Crown Point Road through Dadd Gulch has been completed.

Today, some fire resources that have completed their work along the 103 Road will be working in and around the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather Lakes, and Glacier View communities. These personnel will be assessing and mitigating structures in those areas as a precaution. Work will continue along the Deadman Road. This prep work is expected to be completed in the next few days. Crews are scouting out terrain where fire line could be placed along the Comanche Peak Wilderness boundary. Crews continue working along the Crown Point Rd to widen the roadway and assessing areas for additional fire line. Assessment work will continue on the southern end of the fire to connect fire lines to the high elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park where the fuel type changes and becomes less available to burn.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Weather conditions for today continue to bring the chances for more widespread showers and thunderstorms. Conditions are expected to remain similar as they were on Friday. There is a high probability of wetting rains on the fire area. High temperatures will be expected in the mid 70’s with a relative humidity of around 30%. This will increase our chances of seeing minimal fire behavior again today. Easterly winds are expected to be 10-15 mph. Conditions are expected to change for Sunday and will be a “heads up” day for firefighters. Gusty, westerly winds are expected to reach up to 35 mph as a cold front continues to move through the area.

Closures and Evacuations: Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Kelly Flats to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests have implemented a large closure area around the fire.

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visithttps://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visithttp://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

8/28 Update at 10 am

Fire Crews Continue to Prepare and Protect Structures on the Cameron Peak Fire 

Current Situation: The Cameron Peak Fire had minimal growth on Thursday and is now 22,971 acres. No structures, facilities, or infrastructure have been damaged.  

On Thursday, crews continued to construct indirect lines and protect values at risk in the fire area. Crews are working indirectly due to the steep, rugged terrain. Public and firefighter safety remain a top priority for fire personnel. Structure protection crews placed structure mitigation measures on the 103 Road up to Stub Creek. Work was also completed on the Deadman and Manhattan Roads down to Highway 14. Those roads have been improved as fuel breaks by removing fuels from the roadsides over the past week. Structure protection work has also been completed along the Pingree Park Road.  

Today, crews will be working to complete structure protection measures from Stub Creek to Four Corners. Structure mitigation will continue from the fish hatchery to the east on Highway 14 towards Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District Station 2. Heavy equipment will continue to be used to complete indirect fire line north of Deadman Road. Cleaning and widening of Crown Point Road will continue to Dadd Gulch. Crews will be assessing the Cameron Pass area and Pingree Park Road for strategies that will tie the indirect fire lines into the high elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions: A weather disturbance will bring higher relative humidity and cooler temperatures, and showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. High temperatures will be in the mid 70’s with relative humidity of 25-30%. Upslope winds are be expected in the morning but will shift to the east by afternoon. Thunderstorms may bring gusty or erratic winds to the fire area. 

Closures and Evacuations: Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Kelly Flats to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests have implemented a large closure area around the fire.  

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://go.usa.gov/xGCfT to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information please see https://go.usa.gov/xGCfb.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

8/27 Update at 10 am 

Cameron Peak Fire Activity Decreases on Wednesday, Expected to Increase 

Current Situation: The Cameron Peak Fire grew to 22,845 acres today and remains in a full suppression strategy. No structures, facilities, or infrastructure have been damaged. The fire growth was slower yesterday due to an increase in humidity associated with scattered showers and thunderstorms over the area. The rain showers in surrounding areas, including Fort Collins, received yesterday did not produce measurable precipitation over the fire. Although the increased moisture tempered fire activity on Wednesday, vegetation is expected to become more receptive and the fire is expected to become more active today.  

Given the fire behavior, steep terrain and a high percentage of dead and dying trees near the fire, ground crews are not able to directly access the fire’s edge safely to perform direct suppression actions. Work continued from previous days, with work on indirect lines and structure protection. Equipment and hand crews continued building indirect fire line and improving roads in areas to the north and east of the fire down to Crown Point Road. Structure prep was completed on structures along Highway 14 to the fish hatchery and will continue that work towards Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District Station 2 today. Aircraft was again essential in assisting ground crews and monitoring the fire. 

Today, crews will continue with structure assessments and preparation as well as laying hose lines and sprinkler systems. Crews will monitor yesterday’s firing operations and mop up where necessary. As weather permits, firefighters will continue conducting firing operations to remove fuels between the fire’s edge and values at risk. Heavy equipment and hand crews will continue improving roadways and building fuel breaks along the northern, eastern and southeastern portions of the fire area. Assessments will continue in the steep terrain on the southern portion of the fire to tie control operations to natural features. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Weather today includes temperatures similar to yesterday, up to 75 degrees above 9000’ elevation and 80 degrees below. Relative humidity can be expected to drop to 25% above 9000’ elevation and 20% below. There is a chance for afternoon thunderstorms with gusty, erratic winds up to 40 mph.  

Closures and Evacuations:Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Kelly Flats to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests have implemented a large closure area around the fire.  

Fire Restrictions: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd781358.pdf to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Cameron Peak Fire Statistics: 

Size: 22,845 acres 

Containment: 0% 

Total Personnel: 706 

Location: 25 mi E of Walden; 15 mi SW of Redfeather Lakes, CO 

Reported: August 13 

Cause: Under investigation 

8/25 Update at 10 am

Summary: The Cameron Peak Fire is a full suppression fire which grew to 21,017 acres Monday. No structures, facilities, or infrastructure have been damaged.

With another day of hot, dry, and windy conditions yesterday, there was moderate fire activity along Highway 14 with movement to the north. Crews continued fire line creation in the Sage Meadows area, working to connect Laramie River Rd to Deadman Rd. Additional heavy equipment has been shifted to that area of the fire to help remove vegetation. The structure protection group burned around structures north of Highway 14 to protect them from the approaching fire.

The forecasted weather for today is for temperatures in the upper 70’s with relative humidity at 15-25%. Light and variable winds are predicted. There is an increased chance of thunderstorms today.

Today, structure protection crews will continue monitoring structures where burn operations were previously conducted to ensure the structures are secure. Crews will continue to burn around any structures near the edge of the fire. These firing operations removed unburnt fuels between the edge of the main fire and structures, which is one of the tactics being implemented to protect structures.

Masticators will continue to be used in multiple locations to remove vegetation from roadways and assist in the creation of fuel breaks. Hotshot crews and heavy equipment are working to complete dozer line in Dadd Gulch west of Pingree Park Rd.

8/24 Update at 9:30 am

The Cameron Peak Fire is a full suppression fire which grew to 20,118 acres Sunday. No structures or facilities have been damaged.

The fire remained active on Sunday due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. The southeast area of the fire continued to have the most activity as it moved south of Peterson Lake. The fire also progressed north of the West Fork Tunnel area.

Yesterday, crews conducted successful firing operations around the West Fork Tunnel, structures in the Tunnel area, and structures in the vicinity of the Barnes Meadow Reservoir. These firing operations removed unburnt fuels between the edge of the main fire and structures, which is one of the tactics being implemented to protect structures.

Weather for today will continue to be sunny, hot, and dry. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s to lower 80s with northwest winds of 5 – 10 mph. Relative humidity will be higher at 12-18%. Chances for thunderstorms and scattered rain showers will increase throughout this week.

Today, personnel will continue to work along Pingree Park Road. Dozer line construction will continue to be established along the ridgeline from Dadd Gulch north to Highway 14; this is being done to add an additional fire line to protect structures to the east. Structure protection efforts will continue throughout the area as crews continue to assess new strategies to slow the spread of the fire.

Closures

Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Kelly Flats to Gould. Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders, and the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest has implemented a closure area around the fire. The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd781358.pdfto learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information seehttps://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm.

08/21 Update at 10:30 am

The Cameron Peak fire grew to 16,602 acres Thursday and remains a full suppression fire. No structures or facilities have been damaged, and no firefighter injuries have been reported.

The southwest corner of the fire received a slight amount of moisture yesterday, which is expected to help moderate fire behavior in the Cameron Pass and Long Draw Road areas.

Forecasters are calling for sunny skies today with temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s and northwesterly winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 20 mph in the afternoon. Relative humidity will be 10 – 15%.

The fire has burned to timberline in areas of the Rawah Wilderness. Fire managers are monitoring fire behavior there to verify that fire will not continue burning into high alpine vegetation.

Heavy equipment and hand crews continue to widen road corridors working west to east from the 103 road to Crystal Lakes and Red Feather Lakes. Preparations along the Manhattan Road are largely complete. Work progresses in the Pingree Park area where crews are clearing vegetation along existing trails and roads to connect with alpine areas that are expected to limit further spread of the fire. As this indirect control line construction continues, crews are also exploring additional opportunities for potential control lines closer to the fire.

Closures 

Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area.

Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area and the forest has implemented a large closure area around the fire. The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd781358.pdf to learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information see  https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

8/20 Update at 9:00 am 

The Cameron Peak Fire grew to 16,461 acres yesterday, and a small amount of rain fell over the fire temporarily lessening fire activity. The Cameron Peak Fire remains a full suppression fire. No structures or facilities have been damaged, and no firefighter injuries have been reported.  

Most of Wednesday’s fire spread occurred on the south and west sides of the fire area. In the Rawah Wilderness, the fire burned into timberline, a natural barrier that is expected to limit further growth.  

Another fire weather watch has been issued for today due to predicted dry thunderstorms and gusty winds. Over the fire area, temperatures will be in the upper 70s with northwesterly winds of 10 to 20 mph. Relative humidity will be 20 to 30%. 

Heavy equipment work continues across the north end of the fire area as well as down Manhattan Road and Pingree Park Road. Hand crews are working in conjunction with heavy equipment to clean up and prepare roads to act as fuel breaks. Structure protection work is continuing as crews move into affected communities farther from the fire. Fire managers are looking for ways to connect man-made control lines with natural barriers in the Joe Wright Reservoir and Long Draw Road area. They are also assessing opportunities to construct additional fire line closer to the fire, giving firefighters multiple options for future containment considering a variety of possible scenarios.  

Closures 

Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area.  

Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area, and a Forest closure remains in effect. The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd781358.pdfto learn more. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a complete fire ban and an area closure. For information see https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm. 

8/19 Update at 10 am

The Cameron Peak fire grew to 15,738 acres yesterday and remains a full suppression fire. No structures or facilities have been damaged, and no firefighter injuries have been reported.

Winds out of the north pushed the fire southward, starting multiple spot fires near Joe Wright Reservoir south of Highway 14 west of Long Draw Road on Tuesday. Hand crews, along with support from aerial assets worked to try to contain these. Strong afternoon winds shut down aerial operations, and the spot fires became established.

A fire weather watch has been issued for today, with predicted dry thunderstorms and associated gusty winds. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s with northwesterly winds of 10 to 20 mph. Relative humidity will be higher, at 20 to 30%.

Today, crews will continue to build upon yesterday’s progress by assessing structures along the Laramie River Road, Pingree Park Road, Highway 14, and in the Red Feather and Crystal lakes areas. Crews will continue to remove brush near structures and set up pumps, hoses, and sprinklers where most effective. Fuel break construction is continuing across the north and south ends of the fire area where crews and heavy equipment are improving upon existing fuel breaks and connecting them into features on the land, such as meadows. Fire managers are assessing stream features to the south of Joe Wright Reservoir, which they hope to utilize to slow the spread of the fire

Click here for full report, map and link to resources.

8/18 Update at 9:00 am

Summary: The Cameron Peak Fire grew to 14,018 acres yesterday. The most significant growth occurred along the west and southwest flanks of the fire, in the Rawah Wilderness and near Cameron Pass, where crews contained multiple spot fires across Highway 14 and Long Draw Road. No structures or facilities have been damaged. Managers’ objective is full suppression of this fire.

The weather over the fire today is expected to be similar to yesterday, with highs in the upper 70s. Winds will be out of the north at 5 to 15 mph, with 15 to 20% relative humidity. Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon.

Structure protection work continues throughout the affected area, with crews cutting out brush and other vegetation that is close to homes and other buildings, and setting up hose, pumps and sprinklers where needed. A variety of heavy equipment is being used to remove fuels along roads to connect with existing fuel breaks across the north end of the fire area. If conditions are favorable, crews will conduct burnout operations along the north side of Highway 14, to establish an anchor point from which containment can begin to be secured.

Fire managers are engaging with Colorado State University and Rocky Mountain National Park, identifying features and opportunities for placement of potential containment lines along the south end of the fire area.

Go to https://m.facebook.com/pg/CameronPeakFire/posts/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0 for the latest update on the fire

8/17 Update at 9:30 am

Summary: The Cameron Peak Fire has grown to 13,305 acres. No structures or facilities have been damaged. Crews have made good progress on preparing around structures throughout the area surrounding this full suppression fire. They have several more days of work ahead removing fuels and placing hoses, pumps, and sprinklers. Today’s weather is expected to have highs in the mid-70s to 80 degrees. Winds will be out of the northeast at 5 to 15 mph, with a relative humidity of 10 to 20%.

In the Long Draw area, crews completed some burnout operations to the east of Long Draw Road to reduce available fuels and potential for spotting to the west under easterly winds. If conditions are favorable, additional burnout operations will be conducted today on the north side of Highway 14, to keep pace with a finger of fire pushing to the southwest.

Crews are continuing to remove fuels along roads west of Crystal Lakes and Red Feather Lakes. The distance of these preparations from the existing fire front allows time for crews to complete preparation activities before the fire reaches this area. Once complete, these preparations will allow for burnout operations to the west before the fire advances toward those communities. Fuels and terrain between planned containment lines and the fire are too hazardous for firefighters to work.

For more information: Go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/ and NOCO alerts https://nocoalert.org/

From Larimer County:
http://nocoalert.com

9/20 Update at 3:45 pm

This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Cameron Peak fire officials have ordered voluntary evacuations for Glacier View filings, the Lady Moon area, and Magic Sky Ranch area. Residents and business occupants should evacuate if they are concerned for their safety, feel they need additional time to exit the area, or have health conditions that may be aggravated by this incident. You are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area and to prepare for mandatory evacuations. Anyone needing assistance with sheltering, please go to Cache La Poudre Middle School, 3515 W CR54G. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

9/20 Update at 3:15 pm

From NOCO Alerts

-This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Cameron Peak fire officials have ordered mandatory evacuations for Red Feather and Crystal Lakes for residents and business occupants in the area due to immediate and imminent danger. This will also include the Manhattan Road down to Highway 14 and Shambhala Center areas. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. Anyone needing assistance with sheltering, please go to Cache La Poudre Middle School, 3515 W CR54G. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

9/17 Update at 9 am

From NOCO Alerts

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated information on two evacuation areas. Cameron Peak fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for the following notification areas: Highway 14 from Stove Prairie Landing west to Kelly Flats, and County Road 44H from Pennock Pass to County Road 27. Voluntary evacuations will remain in place for those areas until further notice. Please be sure to have proper identification to show residency in those areas. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

– This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with updated information for the Stratton Park area. The Cameron Peak fire officials have lifted the voluntary evacuations for Stove Prairie Landing south along County Road 27 to County Road 44H and east to include Stratton Park. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews will still be present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

09/09 Update at 2:25

Update from NOCO Alerts – Damage assessment teams plan to start assessing structures on Hwy 14 tomorrow & then Monument Gulch area the days following – if they can gain access. Downed power lines, trees, & other hazards are making it difficult & dangerous to access the area.

2020-08-14 19:19:12 MDT

This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Fire officials have ordered the area of Long Draw Reservoir, which was previously under voluntary evacuations, to move to mandatory evacuations due to fire activity. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. When leaving the Long Draw area, you must travel west to Gould. Eastbound traffic will not be allowed for safety reasons. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

8/21 at 2:30 pm

This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. The Cameron Peak Fire activity has increased in the area south of Highway 14 toward Crown Point, the Pingree Park Road and County Road 44H area. Mandatory Evacuations have been ordered for residents and businesses in the area, up to and including Pennock Pass on County Road 44H due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger.

8/14 at 7:19 pm

Fire officials have ordered the area of Long Draw Reservoir, which was previously under voluntary evacuations, to move to mandatory evautations due to fire activity. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. When leaving the Long Draw area, you must travel west to Gould.

8/14 at 3:34 pm

The mandatory evacuation area has expanded, please see https://nocoalert.org for updated boundary. The following roads are closed: Hwy 14 between Rustic and Gould, CR 103 (Laramie River Valley Rd) between Hwy 14 and Deadman Rd (Four Corners), Deadman Rd between CR 103 and CR73C (Red Feather SW), Manhattan Rd between Rustic and Boy Scout Ranch Rd, and Pingree Park south and west of Crown Point.

8/13 at 6:04 pm

Residents and business occupants south of County Road 86 (Deadman Road) from County Road 103 east to County Road 73C and south to Highway 14 are under a mandatory evacuation. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. County Road 103 is closed south of County Road 86, so if you use County Road 103, you must go north to Wyoming. Traveling east, you may use County Road 74E from 86. Those on Highway 14 must travel east. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area

From Incident Command:
(https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/)

8/26 Update at 11 am 

Cameron Peak Fire Transitions Command; Work Continues Current Situation: The Portland National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team and Rocky Mountain Team Black assumed command of the Cameron Peak Fire at 6 a.m. this morning. An overnight infrared mapping flight was canceled due to weather, keeping the acreage on maps unchanged. The fire remains in a full suppression strategy. No structures, facilities, or infrastructure have been damaged.

On Tuesday, the structure protection group conducted a firing operation from Highway 14 toward the northeast flank of the fire. This increased the area in the “black” between the fire and the highway. Structure fire crews continued preparing structures along the north, east and south sides of the fire. Heavy equipment and hand crews improved roads and dozer lines on the south side of Crystal Lake and Red Feather communities and south along the Manhattan Road crossing Highway 14 south to Crown Point Road. Air support assisted firefighters where needed near structures and on the more active portions of the fire.

Today, fire crews will continue with structure assessments and preparation with removal of vegetation and laying hose and sprinkler systems. They will monitor yesterday’s firing operations and extinguish any hot embers to ensure structures are secure. As weather permits, they will continue to use fire to remove unburned natural fuels between the edge of the main fire and structures. Heavy equipment and hand crews will continue to remove vegetation, improve roadways and build fire lines to be used as fuel breaks along the northern, eastern and southeastern portions of the fire area. Assessments continue in the steep terrain on the southern portion of the fire to tie control operations to natural features in areas above the tree line.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: On Wednesday, temperatures are expected to be 75-80 degrees with relative humidity 15- 20% below 9,000’ and 20-25% at higher elevations. Ridgetop winds will be out of the west at 10-15 mph There is a 60% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon that may bring gusty, erratic winds up to 40 mph in the afternoon.

LewstoneFire Update from NOCO alerts 8/26/20 9am – The Lewstone Fire transitioned to a type 4 incident under LCSO Emergency Services command last night at midnight. The fire is contained, and today ground crews will be performing mop-up on the fire. Unless the situation changes, there will be fewer updates regarding this fire.

Click here to get full report and for maps.

8/21 Update at 5 pm 

Due to hot, sunny, windy weather, fire activity has increased on the south end of the Cameron Peak Fire. While we know the fire has grown this afternoon, at this point we do not know exactly how much. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office issued the following emergency message at 2:32 p.m. today: “The Cameron Peak Fire activity has increased in the area south of Highway 14 toward Crown Point, the Pingree Park Road and County Road 44H area. Mandatory Evacuations have been ordered for residents and businesses in the area, up to and including Pennock Pass on County Road 44H due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone.”

Trigger points are identified early in an incident. If one of these trigger post is approached, evacuations may be implemented. Evacuation trigger points are designated in locations between active fire areas and values at risk, such as residences and commercial properties. Their placement is designed to alert people of the need to safely leave with sufficient time to evacuate the area. For more information about specific evacuation areas, visit the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.larimer.org/cameron-peak-fire.

8/18 Update at 7:30pm

Firing operations along the Long Draw Road were completed and successful. Plans are to continue burning fuels along Highway 14 from Joe Wright Reservoir toward the junction of Highway 14 and Long Draw Road. Operations personnel are reporting minimal growth of the fire today with only isolated pockets of burning. The fire has not made it to the West Branch Tunnel area.

Go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6964/53383/ for report.

8/17 Update at 12:39 pm

The Cameron Peak Fire has grown to 13,305 acres. No structures or facilities have been damaged. Crews have made good progress on preparing around structures throughout the area surrounding this full suppression fire. They have several more days of work ahead removing fuels and placing hoses, pumps, and sprinklers. Today’s weather is expected to have highs in the mid-70s to 80 degrees. Winds will be out of the northeast at 5 to 15 mph, with relative humidity of 10 to 20%. In the Long Draw area, crews completed some burnout operations to the east of Long Draw Road to reduce available fuels and potential for spotting to the west under easterly winds. If conditions are favorable, additional burnout operations will be conducted today on the north side of Highway 14, to keep pace with a finger of fire pushing to the southwest. Crews are continuing to remove fuels along roads west of Crystal Lakes and Red Feather Lakes. The distance of these preparations from the existing fire front allows time for crews to complete preparation activities before the fire reaches this area. Once complete, these preparations will allow for burnout operations to the west before the fire advances toward those communities. Fuels and terrain between planned containment lines and the fire are too hazardous for firefighters to work. Colorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. There is heavy fire traffic through the Poudre Canyon as crews access the fire area. Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area, and a Forest closure remains in effect. The Forest has also elevated fire restrictions to Stage 2. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd781358.pdf to learn more.

8/14 Update at 10 a.m.

The fire is now 2,179 acres in size. We are flying the fire to get a better size up. Firefighters are being assisted by several helicopters and preparing for the arrival of additional resources and the Type 2 Team. Highway 14 remains closed from Rustic to Gould. For the latest evacuation and road closure information visit: https://nocoalert.org/. We expect to have a closure order in place soon so continue to check back before heading out this weekend.

8/14 Update at 8 a.m.
Fire Managers will be putting a closure order in place this morning for #CameronPeakFire area that will affect camping and hiking activities. Please continue to check the latest information before you head out for your weekend plans.

8/13 Evening Update

The #CameronPeakFire located 25 miles east of Walden and 15 miles southwest of Red Feather Lakes near Cameron Pass is now 1540 acres and under the management of a Type 3 Incident Command Team. A Type 2 Incident Command Team has been ordered. Approximately forty firefighters continue to focus their fire suppression efforts on public and firefighter safety and assessing values at risk. The fire continues to be very active. Follow @LarimerSheriff for the latest evacuation and road closure information, or you can text LCEVAC to 888777 for evacuation updates.

Emergency managers are coordinating evacuations in the area and conducting assessments of facilities and construction supplies stored in the area.

Please remember that fire restrictions are still in place on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. For the fire restriction information visit:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=57718

From the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service:

Closure Area for Cameron Peak Fire Shrinks Slightly: Campgrounds Remain Closed

Fort Collins, Colo., September 18, 2020 – Due to the increased containment and decrease in fire activity on some parts of the Cameron Peak Fire burning in the northwest portion of Larimer County on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest, some areas previously closed are opening. The general area now closed is all National Forest System lands west of County Road 67J and County Road 27; east of the Colorado State Forest State Park; south of County Road 80C; and north of Rocky Mountain Park (see map). Details of the updated closure and a map are available on our website.

This closure impacts numerous recreation sites, including many trails, trailheads, and Forest Service Roads; a number of boating and fishing sites; and some picnic sites. These are listed on our website. All campgrounds both inside and outside of the closure area remain closed. Trails in the Red Feather Lakes area remain closed; however, trails in the lower Poudre Canyon are opening.

This closure is in place for public safety and to support firefighting efforts. These areas are very popular with recreationists but also, in many cases, remote. Roads and trails are greatly interconnected. If evacuations are necessary, it can be difficult to reach people and can take emergency responders a great deal of time to make sure everyone is out safely.

If you need ideas on other locations to recreate, please check our website or check with one of your other local land management agencies for opportunities. It is also important to know that the entire Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. A portion of Highway 14 remains closed. Check the latest with the Colorado Department of Transportation. There are also some closures adjacent to our closure within the State Forest State Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented temporary closures in the more remote northern area of the park due to the Cameron Peak Fire. The closure impacts numerous trails and wilderness campsites. Old Fall River Road will be closed until further notice. Check their website at www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm for details.

If you are looking for information on the Cameron Peak Fire, please check inciweb. Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is your source for evacuation information.

Heres the link to this reports webpage –> https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD807186

(https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD780852)

8/14 Update at 2 p.m.

Portion of the Roosevelt National Forest Closed Due to Cameron Peak Fire

Due to the Cameron Peak Fire burning in the northwest portion of Larimer County on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest, a portion of the Forest is closed. The area closed is all National Forest System lands west of County Roads 69 and 63E, east of the Colorado State Forest, south of County Road 80 C and north of Rocky Mountain Park. A map of the closed area is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd780833.pdfand details of the closure are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd780832.pdf. This closure is in place for public safety and to support firefighting efforts.

This closure has impacts on numerous recreation sites, including many trails and trailheads. A number of boating and fishing sites are closed, including Chambers Lake. Picnic Sites closed include Bellaire Lake, Bennett Creek, Cameron Pass, Chambers Lake, Fish Creek and Tunnel.

Campgrounds closed include:

Aspen Glen
Bellaire Lake
Big Bend
Big South
Browns Park
Chambers Lake
Grandview
Jacks Gulch
Long Draw
North Fork
Sleeping Elephant
Tom Bennett
Tunnel

8/14 Update at 7:05 p.m.

The Cameron Pass Fire, burning in northwest Larimer County in the Roosevelt National Forest, is estimated to have grown to 4,600 acres today. Firefighters were assisted by several helicopters that made strategic water drops on the fire. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) will take over management of the fire tomorrow morning in close coordination with local resources. This afternoon the fire spotted to the south side of Highway 14. That spot is estimated at approximately 100 acres.

Please continue to check https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/ for the latest updates and a map of the fire from earlier today. There is an area closure impacting access and recreation in the area. This information is also available at the link above.

8/15 Update at 12 p.m.

https://www.larimer.org/spotlights/2020/08/14/air-quality-advisory-issued-larimer-county

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Blue Team assumed command of the Cameron Peak fire at 6:00 this morning. The fire ignited on the afternoon of August 13 north of Highway 14 near Cameron Pass and Chambers Lake. It is burning in heavy timber stands over rugged terrain. A spot fire ignited and became established south of Colorado Highway 14. Yesterday, crews worked on structure protection and scouting to identify indirect containment features. Today, ground crews will continue to identify and protect values at risk and opportunities for containment with support from four Type 1 helicopters and one Type 3 helicopter. They will also work with county and local officials to continue evacuating people from evacuation zones. Hot, dry, and breezy weather is expected to continue in the next several days, which is likely to drive further fire growth.Closures and EvacuationsColorado Highway 14 is closed from Rustic to Gould. Larimer County has implemented mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders around the fire area. For the latest evacuation information or text LCEVAC to 888777 for evacuation updates. Learn more about evacuations and road closures, or sign up for emergency alerts at: https://nocoalert.org/The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest has implemented an area closure that is affecting recreation and access into the area. Fire restrictions are also in effect on the Forest.

Cameron Peak Fire Map 8-15-2020

As of Saturday, August 8 at 12:08 p.m., “all evacuation orders, and road closures are still in place. See https://nocoalert.org for details. Fire danger remains extremely high. Avoid the fire area. The USFS has provided a video update for fire information available at https://t.co/o9TVm0RhVg”

From the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed