Turkey Track Fire burns in Colorado’s Pike-San Isabel National Forest
The Turkey Track Fire has burned through 52 ha (128 acres) of forest near Highway 67 and Rainbow Falls, Colorado, since it ignited on April 12, 2025. The fire, believed to be human-caused, led to camper evacuations in the area but currently threatens no structures.
Turkey Tracks Fire burning through trees. Image credit: USFS Pike-San Isabel
The Turkey Track Fire started at 16:30 local time (LT), April 12, near the Turkey Track Shooting Range, approximately 13 km (8 miles) north of Woodland Park in Colorado’s Douglas County.
The fire has burned 52 ha (128 acres) of U.S. Forest Service land within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. As of 17:45 LT on April 13, containment was at 45%, with crews reinforcing fire lines and addressing hotspots.
Currently, no structures are at risk but campers at Rainbow Falls Campground were evacuated on April 12 as a safety measure. Highway 67 was temporarily closed on the same day and was reopened by the evening.
The Turkey Track Shooting Range remains closed to ensure the safety of both firefighters and the public.
Multiple agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Teller County Sheriff’s Office, have responded to the fire. A helicopter was used for bucket drops to support firefighting efforts on April 13. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control deployed additional personnel to assist.
The fire is suspected to be human-caused, potentially connected to activity at the shooting range, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Dead logs, grass, and debris at the site have complicated firefighting efforts. Authorities continue to advise the public to avoid the area and to report only visible flames or smoke.
New information and video from the forest fire burning near Turkey Tracks shooting range. Douglas County Emergency Services Supervisor explains their role and how the fire was spotted. They remained on scene overnight and will work through the day today to put out the fire.… pic.twitter.com/9Zq2JW3XdB
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) April 13, 2025
Hot, dry, and windy conditions are contributing to the fire’s spread, prompting red flag warnings. The fire was initially detected by AI-equipped cameras located on Douglas County radio towers, enabling a prompt response.
References:
1 Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands Fire Information – PSICC – April 12, 2025
2 128-acre human-caused Turkey Track Fire near Douglas County shooting range 30% contained – Denver7
– April 13, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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