Forest Service closes Twin Lakes and surrounding areas due to Interlaken Fire

LAKE COUNTY, Colo. — The U.S. Forest Service has closed Twin Lakes and surrounding areas as the Interlaken Fire continues to burn.

As of Friday evening, the fire had burned 591 acres and was 15% contained. The fire originated from an abandoned campfire located approximately 200 feet from the Interlaken Trail and 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Investigators determined the camp fire had not been properly extinguished and was continuing to burn.

Firefighters will provide an update at a community meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday in Leadville. Details can be found here.

The Forest Service issued Order No. 02-12-01-24-14 on Friday, which closes the following areas:

• Twin Lakes and all day use areas including Moache, Red Rooster, Praying Angel, Big Mac, Deception Point and Sunnyside, Cabin Cove and Whistler Point.
• Dexter Campground
• Dispersed Camping Areas Twin Lakes Dam

Several National Forest Service roads and trails are also affected by the closure.
The closure area is visible on the map below:

The closure is in effect until July 15, unless canceled earlier.

Those who violate this order face a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals ($10,000 for organizations) and/or imprisonment of up to six months.

Interlaken fire burning near Twin Lakes spans more than 500 acres

The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office said pre-evacuation advisories are in place for residents and visitors from Clear Creek Reservoir to Chaffee County at the Lake County line.

“This is only pre-evacuation notification at this time. Be prepared to leave if it becomes necessary. We will also send an emergency alert (Everbridge notification) to people in this area,” the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said on social media.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office has lifted a pre-evacuation order for Balltown while Lost Canyon and Cache Creek remain under a pre-evacuation advisory.

Historic buildings in Interlaken remained protected despite forest fires, the Forest Service announced Friday.