Interlaken Fire near Twin Lakes grows to over 730 acres, but officials say fire is now 86% contained
UPDATE 6/16/24: Officials say as of Sunday evening that the Interlaken Fire is 86% contained.
Throughout the course of Sunday, the fire increased to 731 acres in size. Officials say the large increase in acreage from what was reported Sunday morning, is due in part to more accurate mapping from a recent MMA flight, and due to increased spread on the north edge of the fire, where it continues to slowly back down toward the trail near the lake.
Smoke was more visible today as interior pockets of unburned fuel heated and burned. Helicopters dropped water on these areas today to cool them.
The fire was originally reported to have been started by an abandoned campfire.
UPDATE 6/15/24: As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, the Interlaken Fire has grown to 592 acres, according to an update from officials. Containment has also grown to 15%.
Today, firefighters are set to bring "sling loads" of water pumps and hoses via helicopters.
Pre-evacuation order remain in place for the Lost Canyon, Cache Creek, and Clear Creek areas.
Original story:
TWIN LAKES, Colo. (KRDO) - A U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Fire Investigator has determined the Interlaken Fire, which is burning near Twin Lakes, originated from an abandoned campfire.
The USFS said the campfire was located about 60 yards from the Interlaken trail and 1.5 miles from the trailhead. The campfire was not properly extinguished and continued to burn. Investigators believe the campfire was abandoned several days before it was reported on June 11, 2024.
The agency said officials currently have no leads on who left the fire. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and USFS will be utilizing a tip line and other information platforms to identify potential suspects.
If you have any information regarding campers with a fire near the Interlaken resort between June 7, 2024, and June 11, 2024, please call the Tip Line at (303) 275-5266.
As of Wednesday morning, June 12, the Interlaken Fire had grown to 413 acres.
Several trail and road closures are in place at this time including the Interlaken trailhead and parking area, Willis Gulch trail, Sheep Gulch trail, Colorado Trail segments in the Twin Lakes Area, Forest Service Road 399, and dispersed camping around the lake. Developed campgrounds are still open in the area. Pre-evacuation notices are in place for the Lost Canyon, Cache Creek, and Clear Creek areas.
