LAKE COUNTY, Colo. – The U.S. Forest Service has closed Twin Lakes and the surrounding area as the Interlaken fire continues to burn.

As of Friday evening, the fire has destroyed 591 hectares and is 15% contained. The fire originated from an abandoned campfire about 200 feet from the Interlaken trail and 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Investigators determined that the campfire had not been properly extinguished and continued to burn.

The Forest Service issued Order #02-12-01-24-14 on Friday, closing the following areas:

• The Twin Lakes and all-day areas including Moache, Red Rooster, Praying Angel, Big Mac, Deception Point and Sunnyside, Cabin Cove and Whistler Point
• Dexter Campground
• Twin Lakes Dam dispersed camping areas

Several National Forest Service roads and trails are also included in the closure.
The closure area can be seen on the map below:

US Forest Service

The closure will apply until July 15, unless it is revoked earlier.

Those who violate the order face a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals ($10,000 for organizations) and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

The Interlaken fire near Twin Lakes is growing to more than 500 hectares

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said pre-evacuation notices have been issued for residents and visitors from the Clear Creek Reservoir to the Chaffee County, Lake County line.

“This is only a pre-evacuation notification at this time. Please be prepared to leave if necessary. We will also be sending out an emergency alert (Everbridge notification) to people in that area,” the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said on social media.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has lifted a pre-evacuation order for Balltown, while Lost Canyon and Cache Creek are under pre-evacuation orders.

Interlaken’s historic buildings have remained protected amid the wildfires, the Forest Service said Friday.