Forest Service Implements Closures Around Twin Lakes as Interlaken Fire Rages On

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Background

The Interlaken Fire, ignited by lightning on August 9th, has consumed approximately 4,000 acres in the San Isabel National Forest, west of Twin Lakes, Colorado. The blaze has forced evacuations and prompted closures to safeguard public safety.

Forest Service Closures

In an effort to protect public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts, the Forest Service has announced the closure of the following areas:

Twin Lakes
The Twin Lakes Trailhead
The Colorado Trail between the Twin Lakes Trailhead and Monarch Pass
The Cottonwood Pass Road
The Lakeview Campground
The French Creek Trailhead and Trail
The Huerfano River Trail #709
The Italian Creek Trail #703
The North Fork Huerfano River Road (Forest Road 123)
The West Fork Huerfano River Road (Forest Road 152)

These closures encompass both private and public lands within the affected area. The Forest Service urges the public to adhere to these closures and avoid the designated areas for their own safety and to avoid hindering firefighting efforts.

Evacuations

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for the following areas:

The Town of Twin Lakes
All residents along the North Fork Huerfano River
All residents along the West Fork Huerfano River

Evacuees are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and seek shelter in designated evacuation centers.

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighting crews are actively battling the Interlaken Fire, using a combination of ground and aerial resources. Approximately 450 personnel are engaged in containment efforts, supported by multiple aircraft, including helicopters and air tankers.

The fire is burning in a remote and rugged area, posing challenges for firefighters. Containment lines are being established, but the fire's progress is influenced by weather conditions, including wind and humidity.

Smoke and Air Quality

The Interlaken Fire is producing significant smoke, which is impacting air quality in the surrounding areas. The Lake County Department of Public Health has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Leadville, Twin Lakes, and Buena Vista areas.

Residents are advised to take precautions to reduce smoke exposure, such as staying indoors, closing windows, and wearing N95 masks when outdoors.

Additional Resources

For the latest information on the Interlaken Fire and closures, please refer to the following resources:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8332/
San Isabel National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanisabel/home/?cid=stelprdb5472718
Lake County Sheriff's Office: https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountySheriffCO

Public Safety Message

The Forest Service emphasizes the importance of adhering to the closures and evacuation orders to ensure public safety. Respecting these regulations allows firefighters to focus on containment efforts without risking additional lives or property.

By working together and following the guidance of local authorities, we can mitigate the impact of the Interlaken Fire and protect the well-being of the community.