Rocky Mountain National Park - Some residents forced to evacuate by the Fern Lake Fire may be allowed to return on Wednesday, Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith says.

Firefighters are trying to keep a wildfire from spreading outside the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The U.S. Forest Service says about 250 firefighters are working to contain the Fern Lake Fire, which has been burning for nearly two months. The fire has scorched about six square miles.

Fire has burned at least one cabin and forced the evacuation of several areas in and around the park.

As of Monday night, it was 40 percent contained.

Favorable weather conditions on Monday gave firefighters an opportunity to work on spot fires in the Steep Mountain area, using both ground and aerial resources, officials said.

Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith and Fern Lake Fire managers announced Monday evening that tentative plans are being made to allow some residents from the Highway 66 evacuation area to return home by 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Areas were people may be allowed to return, include:

• The Highway 66 evacuation area from Highway 36 up to and including Aspen Brook Drive.
• Highway 36 to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park could also reopen Wednesday morning.
• Homes and businesses on Highway 66 beyond Aspen Brook Drive will continue to remain evacuated until conditions allow their return.