July 15, 2003 - Click on Images for larger view - Fires start at approximately 5:30 PM after lightning strikes the park during an afternoon dry thunderstorm.

July 16, 2003 - Click on Images for larger view - Park staff were represented (NPS, MVMA and Aramark) for an all employee meeting in Cortez at the Empire Electric office complex. Employees were notified that the park was closed and informed of status and condition of the fires burning within the park and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. Work assignments were determined for the day.

View of fires from Park Point at road pull-out at approximately 9:30 AM.

Helicopters dipping water near Maintenance area.