Second Lumpy Ridge fire follows Thursday storm
Rocky Mountain National Park fire managers were called into action to fight a small blaze in the area below the Needles in the Lumpy Ridge area early Friday morning. It was the second time this week that crews responded after being notified of smoke in the area.
Fire crews were on scene for the .2 acre fire, and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District provided resources.
A swift-moving thunderstorm with lightning and rain moved over the Lumpy Ridge area at about 8 p.m. Thursday.
Park crews were also called to a similar incident on Sunday, Aug. 17. While the cause of both fires is under investigation, they appeared to be the result of lightning.
Mackin accepts Longmont position
Former Visit Estes Park Community Engagement Director Cindy Mackin has accepted a position as Business Development Manager with the Longmont Economic Development Partnership.
The LEDP is a public/private partnership in the Front Range community whose mission is to support and build job creation and business investment.
Mackin’s resignation from VEP was effective Aug. 20, following her being placed on administrative leave from the marketing district. According to VEP board chair Sean Jurgens, replacing Mackin will be a decision made by a new CEO for the organization.
The board of directors is currently determining next steps in its search for a CEO. One step in that process was anticipated during an executive session to consider applications for candidates that was scheduled for this afternoon.
VEP has been without a CEO for a year following the resignation of Kara Franker. Her last day on the job was Sept. 5, 2024.
Resident Rojas arrested
Local resident, Emanuel Fernandez Rojas, 26, was arrested Thursday, Aug. 21 on charges including reckless endangerment, and prohibited use of weapons. He was booked into the Larimer County Jail.
The arrest came after members of the Estes Park Police Department and Larimer County All-Hazards/Crisis Response Team seized a firearm following their execution of a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of Driftwood Avenue.
On Aug. 17 local officers and a Larimer County sheriff’s office deputy responded to the same Driftwood Avenue home for a reported disturbance. During that call when officers attempted to verify the well-being of those involved, Rojas obstructed their investigation and assaulted an officer, causing serious bodily injury.
At that time, Rojas was arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of second-degree assault of a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer. He was released on August 18, 2025, after posting a $350 cash bond.
Rojas allegedly has been known to fire multiple rifle rounds inside the home while intoxicated and when others were present. Based on that information, detectives obtained the search and arrest warrants.