TWIN LAKES, Colo. — A wildfire in Lake County that was first reported on Tuesday afternoon is now 86% contained, officials said on Sunday.
The Interlaken Fire has burned 739 acres as of Sunday evening, with 86% containment. Investigators said an abandoned campfire that had not been properly put out was the cause of the fire.
The wildfire is burning spruce fir forests littered with dead and fallen trees from insect infestation, the U.S. Forest Service said. The fire is moving slowly through underbrush toward Interlaken Trail, which firefighters plan to use as a fire line.
Aviation crews continue to drop water and fire retardant to minimize the fire's spread, officials said. There were 237 personnel assigned to fight the fire as of Tuesday and a reduction is likely as the fire threat diminishes and crews are needed elsewhere.
They are working to build fire lines and to protect residents' private property, the Interlaken Historic Resort, utility infrastructure and Canada lynx habitat, fire officials said.
Closures due to the wildfire
Several trail, parking lot and road closures are in place around the Interlaken Fire:
- Twin Lakes and surrounding area
- Interlaken trailhead and parking area
- Willis Gulch trail
- Willis Stump trail
- Sheep Gulch trail
- Colorado Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail segments in the Twin Lakes area
- Red Rooster day use area
- Moache day use area
- Dexter Point day use area and campground
- Deception Point day use area
- Forest Service Road 399
- Forest Service Road 298
Interlaken Fire evacuations
Pre-evacuation notices for Lost Canyon (County Road 30) and in Chaffee County north of County Road 390 to the county line (Cache Creek, Clear Creek) were lifted Saturday evening.
Interlaken Fire cause
Investigators said an abandoned campfire that had not been properly put out was the cause of the fire.
Officials said they have no leads on who left the fire unattended. The Lake County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Forest Service are asking anyone with information regarding campers with a fire near the Interlaken Resort between June 7 and June 11 to call the tip line at 303-275-5266.
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