Janice R. Andrews
Read Time:2 Minute, 9 Second
According to officials, a wildfire that started just one day ago on the south side of Twin Lakes has grown to 413 acres as of Wednesday. This means that it has doubled in size.
There are still orders for evacuation and pre-evacuation related to the Interlaken fire, which is burning in a well-liked hiking and camping area about 12 miles south of Leadville.
Orders for Evacuation:
- released for the historic district of Interlaken, which includes the now-defunct mountain hotel.
- the entirety of Twin Lakes’ southern portion of County Road 25.
Pre-Departure Directives:
- “Until further notice” applies to County Road 30, Lost Canyon, Balltown, and the east side of Twin Lakes.
Limitations and Terminations:
- The U.S. Forest Service advises against scattered camping near the Interlaken trailhead and on the east side of Twin Lakes.
- Willis Gulch, Sheep Gulch, portions of the Colorado Trail near Twin Lakes, and Forest Service Road 399 are among the trails and trailheads that are closed.
- Developed campsites are still accessible.
Traffic and Safety:
- Safety of the general public and firefighters is of utmost importance as the fire rages through difficult terrain in a well-liked recreation area.
- Because of the firefighting actions, expect high traffic in the area.
Prior to Evacuation Alerts:
- issued for the regions between the Chaffee County-Lake County border and Clear Creek Reservoir by the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Reaction and Available Resources:
- Resources from several organizations, including Lake County Search and Rescue, Vail Fire and Emergency Services, Chaffee County Fire Protection District, Red White & Blue Fire, Summit Fire, and the USFS, have been mobilized in response to the fire, which is burning on territory owned by the US Forest Service.
Alert for Air Quality:
- released by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment for Twin Lakes, Granite, Americus, and Buena Vista, as well as southern Lake County and northern Chaffee County.
- The heavy smoke that was seen on Wednesday morning should clear out by late morning, but it could reappear late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- There is a 9 a.m. alert in place from Wednesday through Thursday.
- When smoke grows dense, residents are encouraged to stay indoors, especially those with heart disease, respiratory conditions, young children, and elderly people.
- If one can see five miles or less, the air quality is considered unhealthy.
While the origin of the fire is still under investigation, authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and responding accordingly, with the preservation of historic structures and the security of locals and tourists coming first.
