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[smudge]

Here is the info from the EP Trail...

"Lightning ignites fire in Rocky Mountain National Park



Submitted by Scott Sticha, fire information officer

A lightning storm passed through Rocky Mountain National Park Wednesday afternoon and ignited a small fire in a remote section of the Park near Specimen Mountain. The Willow Creek Fire is estimated to be only 1/10 of an acre in size and is located in a spruce/fir forest at 10,800 feet.

Wednesday, the fire was burning at a low intensity and was not producing very much smoke. Fire staff reported cool temperatures and overcast conditions with no visible smoke present Thursday morning.

The Willow Creek Fire is located in an area that has been identified as a Wildland Fire Use zone in the Park Fire Management Plan. Wildland Fire Use is a management strategy to allow naturally ignited fire to play its normal role in the ecosystem. The fire will be monitored and suppression action could be implemented at any time if conditions significantly change fire behavior or impact smoke dispersal. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the highest priority.

High elevation fires burning in a spruce/fir forest like the Willow Creek Fire, generally do not become large fires unless severe drought conditions exist. Wildland Fire Use helps to maintain ecosystem health and values for which the park was established.

The Willow Creek Fire, when active, may be visible from the parking lot at the Alpine Visitor Center. Staff will be available to answer questions. For more information, contact the fire management office at 586-1264."

[Aaron]

Thanks for the info!!

--Aaron