Rocky Mountain National Park Warns Against Illegal Campfires After Putting Out 4 Small Fires

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (AP) — Rocky Mountain National Park officials say they've had to put out four small fires sparked by illegal campfires over the last 10 days.

The Fort Collins Coloradoan reports that park officials are warning visitors against illegal campfires after the incidents. Park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson says the fires were all extinguished at less than a quarter-acre. But she warns that they have the potential to spread.

In fall 2012, the Fern Lake Fire burned nearly 4.7 square miles and forced parts of Estes Park to be evacuated. It cost more than $6 million to be extinguished. That fire grew from an illegal campfire.

The park allows campfires only in designated areas or with permits in some backcountry sites.

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