Winds spur fire evacuations in Rocky Mountain park

Evacuations have been ordered in the resort town of Estes Park after high winds stoked the Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said early Saturday that the evacuation was in place for Highway 66 and all adjacent streets; High Drive and all adjacent streets; and Marys Lake Road. The National Parks Service says the east side of Rocky Mountain park is also closed.

The fire has charred nearly 2 square miles. Containment was listed at 40 percent Friday.

The National Weather Service says gusts of 50 mph are possible early Saturday with most places seeing gusts closer to 30 mph. The winds will relax in the afternoon.

The fire started Oct. 9. The cause is still under investigation.