Single Publication

Interlaken Fire Update

June 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.  

Type 3 Incident Management Team, 

Nick Ostrom, Incident Commander 

Location: 7 miles S-SW of Leadville, Colorado        

Date Reported: June 11, 2024, at 2:01pm   

Cause: Human caused

Size: 745 acres                              Containment: 86%                                    Total Personnel: 222

Current Situation: The Leadville Ranger District has announced a partial reduction in the forest closure area effective as of 3 p.m. yesterday, detailed in the links provided below. The upper (west) lake of Twin Lakes is now accessible to the public, while the lower (east) lake and some trails will remain closed due to ongoing fire activity. This adjustment follows extensive efforts by firefighters and local partners since the start of the Interlaken Fire.

For the safety of future recreators on the forest, dead, fire weakened trees along popular hiking trails in the fire area will be cut and moved off the trail. Handline and other actions that were taken during the height of suppression will be rehabilitated with the direction of local Resource Advisors. 

As the fire threat diminishes, firefighters will begin the process of backhauling or retrieving equipment, hoses, and gear from the fireline and returning it back to base camp. Helicopters, boats, and trucks will be utilized for backhauling. 

Isolated smoke may be observed along the northern perimeter of the fire (DIV A). Crews are actively monitoring the fire as it slowly moves towards the Interlaken/Colorado Trail, striving for minimal impact to the watershed and trail aesthetics. In the southern area (DIV D), pockets of heat persist within the interior, and firefighters are thoroughly identifying and extinguishing remaining hot spots to secure containment.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) (drones) are being used for reconnaissance and to detect hot spots. These drones are assigned to the fire and operated by certified pilot firefighters. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. If you FLY, we CAN’T. Do not fly or operate your own drones in this area, as it will impede firefighting efforts and ground our aircraft. 

Smoke: Air quality in surrounding areas and the Hwy 82 corridor has improved with low to moderate fire behavior. Air quality monitors are reporting green on the index scale during the day and moderate during evening/early morning hours. https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx) Visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/ for resources on smoke.

Weather: Slight chances of storms will increase today over the fire area with the best probability of showers in the afternoon hours. Temperature will be cooler at 66F with higher relative humidity between 25-30 percent. 

Closures: A reduction in the Forest Service closure order went into effect on 6-18-24. Several recreation sites, campgrounds and trails have reopened, however there is still closure area in effect. Please check the official order from the Forest Service. Refer to the PSICC website and check under FIRE RESTRICTIONS AND FOREST ORDERS on the main page. See closure map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1181904.pdf, and closure order here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1181903.pdf.

Evacuations: All pre-evacuation notices were lifted on June 16, 2024, at 7PM.  To sign up for emergency alerts in Lake County, visit: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736726383/login and in Chaffee County, https://member.everbridge.net/892807736725694/login

Interlaken Fire INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline:  719-301-4284 (Time: 7am-7pm)                           

Email: 2024.interlaken@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560818226034 (“Interlaken Fire Information”)

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-interlaken-fire