ESTES PARK, Colo. -- Smoke from a remote flank of the Cow Creek Fire has been reported in Rocky Mountain National Park.

A park fire crew is hiking into the area to find the source of the smoke and determine if there are any other hot spots.

The weather forecast is for high rotational winds Thursday afternoon.

"With these winds, more smoke is expected," said park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson. "It was expected that the fire would likely burn through the remainder of the fire season with the potential of smoke being visible until a significant weather event, such as snow this fall, puts the fire out."

In early July, firefighters achieved containment of the northeast, east, and southern portions of the Cow Creek Fire in the remote West Creek area in Rocky Mountain National Park.

On July 4, the three trails that were closed due to fire operations reopened. However, off trail travel on national park lands south of the North Fork of the Big Thompson River, west of the North Boundary Trail, north of Cow Creek, and east of Mummy Mountain and Mount Dunraven continue to be prohibited due to the active fire in the area.

Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem in the park. Fires have not burned in this rugged, remote area of the park for hundreds of years.

“Many plants and animals are dependent on fire for their survival. Periodic fire can improve reproduction of plants and improve wildlife habitat. As we learn more about the historic role of wildland fire on public lands, we are also mindful of our duty in the protection of the public and communities,” said Vaughn Baker, park superintendent. “Although this fire is miles away from any homes, it serves as a good reminder to all of us who live nearby, to take the necessary precautions to protect our homes.”