Carter Lake closed to public in fight against Pearl Fire in Northern Colorado

The Pearl Fire in northern Colorado did not spread overnight, but containment remains at 0%, according to state and federal fire officials. Carter Lake Reservoir, a popular recreation area southwest of Loveland, is now allowing limited activities for the public and will serve as a water source for firefighting aircraft.

The fire is 138 acres in size, according to the U.S. Forest Service, and is located near the Colorado-Wyoming border. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office says the fire started on private property and was human-caused. Investigators are still trying to determine if it was started intentionally or accidentally.

Due to water-bailing aircraft on the reservoir, power boating is closed, private boating areas (marked with buoys) remain open, and paddling or hand-launching boats is not permitted until further notice. However, shore activities and camping remain open.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect in Crystal Lakes south of Black Mountain, north of Lake Erie, and in the area of ​​County Road 86 and County Road 170. Voluntary evacuations are planned near Lake Erie and Mitchell Ditch. More than 2,000 evacuation notices have been sent to devices registered for alerts in the area.

Because of the wildfires, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency.

The risk of extreme weather conditions could complicate efforts to contain the fire. Storms are forecast for the area and while moisture and precipitation will help contain the fire, the region must also be prepared for wind gusts of 40 to 60 miles per hour.

Officials are expected to notify the public about the fire at 4 p.m.