The Grizzly Creek fire in Glenwood Canyon has come uncomfortably close to Hanging Lake, one of Colorado’s most beloved natural attractions, but firefighters consider it a priority in their battle against the 3,700-acre fire raging about halfway between the Hanging Lake Trail and Glenwood Springs. The popular hiking area has been closed due to its proximity to the wildfire.
Grizzly Creek is a separate drainage (or watershed valley) from Dead Horse Creek, where Hanging Lake is located, and that may help it stay safe from the fire. The fire is about 2 miles from the Hanging Lake Trail, and as of Wednesday morning, it was still considered 0% contained.
“Protecting the Hanging Lake area is a priority,” said David Boyd, public affairs officer for the White River National Forest. “It helps that it is in a separate drainage, but we are seeing extreme fire behavior.”
The fire is expected to be fast-moving on Wednesday and the weather — hot and dry with winds gusting to 30 mph — is not cooperating. More than 200 personnel are on the scene with more coming. The fire started Monday and the origin is under investigation.
Along with Hanging Lake, a 24-mile segment of Interstate 70 from Glenwood Springs to Gypsum is also closed as firefighters battle the blaze.
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