ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — Two major late-summer wildfires in Colorado, the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires, charred thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of structures before winter moisture brought them mostly under control. But their impact on Rocky Mountain National Park is the subject of a newly-released video by park officials.
The two fires had a large impact on the park, burning 300,000 acres and destroying several structures. The video posted on the park’s Facebook page Saturday is a “somber reflection and an important part of our understanding,” the post read.
Watch the video in the player below:
The Cameron Peak fire is currently at 208,913 acres and 92% contained as of Saturday. The East Troublesome Fire has burned 193,812 acres and now sits at 60% containment. Several inches of snow is forecasted in the burn areas, so fire officials are not concerned about a rapid rate of fire spread.
Additional areas in Rocky Mountain National Park will reopen after being closed since Oct. 22. US 36 past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to Deer Ridge Junction will reopen, including the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. On the east side of the park Trail Ridge Road is open to Many Parks Curve.
The East Inlet Trail and the East Shore Trail on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park have reopened.
The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park remains closed past the Grand Lake Entrance as does the North Inlet Trail and the Sun Valley Trail, due to the level of fire impacts and ongoing safety assessments.