Fire at Staunton State Park today

FYI, Elk Creek Fire was called to a smoldering campfire earlier today at Staunton, way back on the west side. Luckily, a hiker spotted it, was able to call it in and douse it with what water they had on them. I listened as they were en route and made it to the scene, and didn't post at the time because there was no need to panic anyone.

Reminder: Campfires are FORBIDDEN at Staunton State Park. That area has one way in and out and a fire that starts back there could cut off access for residents to evacuate, and run up over into Evergreen and/or Conifer through the dense Brook Forest Estates or Conifer Mountain. Just don't do it.

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Small wildland fire Tuesday at Staunton State Park believed to be human caused

Picture of the small wildland fire at Staunton State Park on Tuesday

PINE, Colo. - Quick action from an alert hiker at Staunton State Park prevented a small wildland fire from possibly igniting into anything bigger Tuesday afternoon atop Lions Head, the park’s rocky landmark.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is believed to be human caused. It was roughly 10 yards by 10 yards in size. The small fire luckily stayed in the underbrush and did not expand vertically into the ponderosa pine trees at the site.

The hiker who reported the fire was able to dampen it with the water they had on hand.

The Elk Creek Fire Protection District, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rangers all responded. Elk Creek Fire sent water supply to the site, which was on the southeast corner of Lions Head.

The fire was reported at 12:30 p.m. Elk Creek Fire had it extinguished and cleared the scene by 3 p.m.

“As we move towards fall with limited resources in terms of rain or weather events, the grasses and trees start to dry up quite a bit,” said Zach Taylor, Park Manager at Staunton State Park. “Our suggestion at this time of the year is to be extremely careful when outside in regards to fire. That includes being out on the trail, whether you are cooking dinner in one of our designated grills or on a cookstove or smoking a cigarette. Just be careful in how you put it out and make sure that everything is cold to the touch before you leave that area so winds don’t kick up and fan those flames or spark those embers throughout the rest of the forest.”

Campfires are prohibited in Staunton State Park. Charcoal or wood fires are allowed in designated areas if there is no current fire ban.

Staunton State Park borders both Park and Jefferson Counties, both of which have no current fire bans.


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