Weather Helps Fight Wildfire Near National Park

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (AP) — Authorities say weather conditions have helped them make progress fighting a small wildfire burning near the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson said Wednesday that calm winds and higher humidity helped firefighters battling the 7-acre fire burning about a mile north of Grand Lake, Colorado near the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. More firefighters and a helicopter have been assisting.

At least two hiking trails have been closed, including the spur hiking trail from the visitor center. But Patterson says no roads have been closed or evacuations ordered.

The wildfire is in juniper and dead trees on the ground and is believed to have been sparked by lightning. The park's west entrance is about 45 miles from the popular east entrance near Estes Park, Colorado.

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