Winds spread Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park fire

A wildfire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park has spread because of strong winds and warm, dry weather.

The Fern Lake Fire was listed at 792 acres on Monday, after growing 102 acres the day before.

Firefighters aren’t attacking the blaze because it’s in steep, rugged terrain where there are many beetle-killed trees. However, fire managers say they will take quick action to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the park, if necessary.

The fire is expected to keep putting out smoke until heavy snow puts it out.

Meanwhile, in southwestern Colorado, fire managers have scaled back the fight against a 222-acre wildfire burning near Vallecito (vy-uh-SEE’-toh) Reservoir. Forty firefighters are monitoring the blaze.

It’s no longer considered a threat to 18 homes nearby.