If you are staying in the Estes Valley, it is important to know the restrictions in place as they may be different from the national park. You can learn more about the current fire conditions and restrictions in Rocky Mountain National park at this link. We need to take every precaution possible to ensure that we protect our remaining forests and the surrounding communities. While so many of us have wonderful memories of sitting around a campfire, this is becoming something that should only be done very vigilantly and only under the very best conditions, when allowed. These days, a simple campfire, cigarette, or spark from other sources could result in massive and nearly unstoppable wildfires. It even jumped over a mile of tundra, crossing the Continental Divide near Spruce Canyon in the park. The total size of this fire was over 300 square miles (777 km2) with a staggering 200 square miles (518 km2) burning within two days due to high winds and dry forests. If a snowstorm hadn't arrived when it did, the local fire chiefs believe that most of the town would have been lost. That same summer the East Troublesome Fire which started out near Kremmling, Colorado, far to the west of Rocky Mountain National Park, burned all the way to the very eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park destroying hundreds of homes and causing the evacuation of Estes Park. A large part of the northern border area of the national park was burned and it even came to the edge of the town of Glen Haven just east of Estes Park. The Cameron Peak Fire which began outside the northern edge of Rocky grew to be 326 square miles (844 km2) which is nearly 80% the size of Rocky Mountain National Park. In 2020 Estes Park faced the two largest wildfires in Colorado history. Years of drought combined with a warming climate has led to more fires, larger fires, and more intense fires than have been experienced in recorded history.
Wildfires are becoming a more common occurrence throughout the western United States. Park visitors are urged to use caution and vigilance regarding the use of fire in authorized locations.Ībout Wildfires in Rocky Mountain National Park Fireworks are always prohibited within the park. Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, where campfires are prohibited in the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and front-country campgrounds. We use the higher of the two ratings.) Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (Rocky Mountain National Park is included in the East Divide FDRA and the West Divide FDRA. It is essential that all of us remain vigilant and take the fire restrictions seriously. Expect the fire danger to be high through the autumn. Weather models predict a warmer and drier autumn than normal. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early morning and late evening hours. Control through direct attack may be difficult but possible, and mop up will be required. Fires in heavy, continuous fuel, such as mature grassland, weed fields, and forest litter, will be difficult to control under windy conditions. The "high" rating means wildfires are likely. It is therefore important to stay aware of the changing conditions and restrictions so each of us can help prevent the start of wildfires. Last updated: Aug(Updated several times a week during fire season)įire is a serious danger in the mountain west.
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