Wildfire forces evacuation of trails, campgrounds at Rocky Mountain National Park

Fern Lake Fire burns 8 miles west of Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo. Photo by: Dale Magette Oct. 9, 2012

ESTES PARK, Colo. — A wildfire in Rocky Mountain National Park forced the evacuation of campers and day hikers Tuesday afternoon.

Officials estimated the Fern Lake Fire had burned 300 acres by early Tuesday evening and it was burning about eight miles west of Estes Park near Fern Lake Trail Head and Moraine Park.

It was first reported at about 2 p.m. The cause was under investigation.

A big smoke plume was visible from Estes Park as well as Grand Lake on the opposite side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Officials said the fire was not moving toward Estes Park. It was burning at the confluence of Spruce Canyon and Forest Canyon. Gusty winds were pushing the fire to the north.

It was two miles away from any vehicle access so the fire manager requested air support late Tuesday afternoon to go with their hand-on firefighting efforts.

Frederick did not know how many firefighters were on scene.

Rangers were ordering people to leave trails and campgrounds in the area including the Moraine Park campground.

Check out video of the fire shot by  Russell Coward. The clip appears at the top of this story.

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