Authorities say an abandoned campfire sparked the La Plata Fire burning on a Colorado 14er south of Leadville, according to a U.S. Forest Service fire investigator.
The human-caused wildfire is burning on La Plata Peak, the state’s fifth-highest summit at 14,343 feet, and has forced the closure of access to the peak. The blaze was first reported Sunday, and as of Friday’s update, it had grown to 90 acres with 0% containment.
Scattered thunderstorms on Friday could bring “gusty, erratic winds,” complicating firefighting efforts in “rugged terrain with heavy dead and down timber,” the update noted. However, cooler temperatures and rain are expected in the coming days.
Officials highlighted that last year’s Interlaken Fire, which burned over 700 acres near the Twin Lakes Recreation Area just miles from La Plata Peak, was also caused by an abandoned campfire.
Fire officials are urging anyone visiting the backcountry to practice extreme caution, follow local fire restrictions, and never leave campfires unattended. Campfires should be fully soaked until cool to the touch before being abandoned.
While Lake County, where the La Plata Fire is burning, had no fire restrictions as of Friday, much of the Western Slope remains under active restrictions.
Anyone with information about the abandoned campfire is asked to contact law enforcement.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply