An abandoned campfire has been identified as the cause of the Interlaken Fire, which has burned 443 acres in Colorado’s high country. The wildfire, near Twin Lakes and about 20 miles south of Leadville, was first reported on Tuesday afternoon, sending a large plume of smoke into the sky.
Investigation and evacuation
A U.S. Forest Service Fire investigator determined the cause on Wednesday night. The abandoned campfire was located about 60 yards from the Interlaken Trail and 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Investigators have no leads on who left the campfire and are seeking information from anyone who camped near the Interlaken Resort between June 7 and June 11. Tips can be reported at 303-275-5266.
Evacuation orders are in place for residents near Interlaken and County Road 25. Balltown’s pre-evacuation notice has been lifted, while Lost Canyon remains under pre-evacuation orders. An evacuation center at the 6th Street Gym in Leadville may reopen if needed.
Firefighters are contending with dry and hot conditions, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s by Thursday. A cold front is expected to bring some relief on Friday, with a 50% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and 20% at night.
Firefighting efforts
The fire is being managed by a Type 3 Incident Management Team, with 135 personnel assigned. Aircraft resources include two Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopter, one T3 helicopter, and fixed-wing air tanker support. Denver Fire’s Wildland Team is preparing to deploy to assist.
The Forest Service is utilizing all available strategies and tools to manage the wildfire, prioritizing firefighter and public safety. Aviation resources continue to drop water and fire retardant to minimize the fire’s spread. Firefighters are also working to protect private property, historic structures, Canada lynx habitat, and utility infrastructure.
Leadville District Ranger Patrick Mercer emphasized the importance of safety: “The Forest Service uses all available strategies and tools to manage wildfires. Firefighter and public safety is our first priority.”