A wildfire that broke out Tuesday morning near Kruger Rock in Larimer County grew to more than 130 acres in a few hours, The fire, located approximately two and a half miles southeast of downtown Estes Park, forced mandatory evacuations for the surrounding area and closed part of Highway 36.

The fire was reported just before 7 a.m. Tuesday according to the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. The fire, dubbed the Kruger Rock Fire, has been burning in the area of Little Valley Drive and Fish Creek Road near Estes Park. Winds in the area helped the fire spread as they gusted to between 40 to 50 mph as a Red Flag Warning was issued. The warning stretched from the Estes Park area all along the Front Range including Berthoud as the weather conditions elevated the danger of wildfires.

A total of 150 firefighters, including Berthoud Fire Protection District were on the scene fighting to put out the blaze according to BFPD and a statement by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo courtesy of Berthoud Fire Protection District – The mountainside near Kruger Rock and Hermit Park Open Space southeast of Estes Park in flames Tuesay night, Nov. 16.

Highway 36 remained closed from the eastern part of Estes Park to the western edge of Lyons due to the firefight until Wednesday.

The Estes Park Emergency Communications Center said mandatory evacuations were underway for residents and businesses due to “immediate and imminent danger” shortly after the fire began including Larimer County’s Hermit Park Open Space, Uplands and Fish Creek Road and Pole Hill Road to Panorama Peak on the east side of Highway 36.

Despite the gusting winds, air resources were utilized to make water and suppressant drops.  More air resources were ordered for Wednesday along with additional fire crews. Personnel from 18 agencies responded to the situation.

At around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday,  LCSO received reports of a single-engine air tanker crash south of Estes Park.  Resources were immediately deployed to search the area.  At approximately 9:49 p.m., the plane crash site was located near the south end of Hermit Park. The pilot and only occupant of the aircraft did not survive.  The investigation into the crash will be led by the FAA and NTSB.

According to Larimer County officials, an investigation into the cause of the fire revealed high winds blew a tree onto a nearby powerline causing it to arc and start the fire.

Overnight sheltering for evacuees is available at the YMCA of the Rockies located at 2515 Tunnel Road in Estes Park. Small pets are welcome and residents affected by the fire do not need to make reservations. LifeBridge Church and the Estes Park Convention Center were also offering overnight shelter.

In a statement, officials from Rocky Mountain National Park said out of an abundance of caution, due to the Kruger Rock Fire, Rocky Mountain National Park, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, closed the Twin Sisters area.  This closure includes the Twin Sisters Trail and parking area.  The nearby Lily Lake area within Rocky Mountain National Park remained open as of Wednesday morning.

For evacuees unable to take their animals with them small animals can be brought to the Larimer Humane Society, located at 3501 E. 71st Street in Loveland, and larger animals can be held at The Ranch at 5280 Arena Circle in Loveland. The American Red Cross Evacuation Center has opened at Estes Park Fairgrounds, located at 1209 Manford Avenue.

There are structures currently threatened by the fire, but as of Wednesday morning none had been damaged, according to the LCSO.

For updates on this fire, text LCEVAC to 888777, or call 970-980-2500.