A small grass fire that started Saturday afternoon on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road grew to 40 acres by late tonight.
The Onahu fire — north of Grand Lake — is not threatening structures, campgrounds or visitors. Backcountry campers are also in no danger, said Rocky Mountain National Park spokesman Larry Frederick.
A 2-acre fire was first spotted just after 4 p.m. near the Onahu Trailhead located north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, just inside the park boundary.
Officials have closed Trail Ridge Road at the Grand Lake Entrance Station on the west side of the park and at Miler Pass where the Continental Divide crosses Trail Ridge Road.
Old Fall River Road remains open. Alpine and Kawuneeche visitor centers are expected to to be open as usual on Sunday.
The fire spread into nearby trees, on both sides of the road. Some torching is reported but a helicopter called to the scene helped slow the blaze, Frederick said. Ground and engine crews also worked to slow the fire’s advance but were pulled off late Saturday for safety concerns.
Crews will return at first light Sunday, Frederick said.
Support was provided by fire crews from Granby, Grand Lake, and the Sulphur District of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. Two Hot Shot crews are expected to arrive at the scene tonight and a Type 2 helicopter will be working on the blaze by 9 a.m. Sunday, said Frederick.
Timber Creek Campground with 98 sites, located about 5 miles north of the fire along Trail Ridge Road, was open and occupied today, but did not fill to capacity. Some campers chose to leave the campground and are being allowed to exit toward Estes Park, Frederick said.
The reopening of Trail Ridge Road will be evaluated Sunday.
The Onahu Fire is not related to the Cow Creek Fire, which is burning in the northeast portion of the park and is being managed by fire crews, said Frederick. The Cow Creek Fire has burned over 1,000 acres.
