Long Mesa Fire (Page One)

July 29, 2002 - The first two photos below were taken approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes apart. The left photo is the start up of the fire. The fire was too remote to reach by ground, so air support was called. Despite all efforts, the fire grew very rapidly. Photos were taken from the top of the million gallon capacity water tank north of the Research Loop. The roof of the tank was later destroyed when the fire ran across the developed area. Click on Images for larger view.

The first air tanker in the left photo below was on scene within an hour and a half of the first photo above. The right photo below was taken from Far View about 30 minutes later.

July 31, 2002 - Photos from the developed areas of Chapin Mesa. The left photo below is the Research Loop and Fire Management Office area. The right photo below is the White House Loop where residents live. A duplex and a single family home was destroyed despite hard work of fire crews to save the buildings. The Sewage Treatment building was also heavily damaged. Fuels reduction efforts earlier this year had a major impact on suppression efforts in these areas.

The left photo below is the Headquarters loop where the Park Headquarters, Mesa Verde Museum, Chief Rangers Office, Library and Spruce Tree Terrace Restaurant are located. This area contains Spruce Tree House, third largest cliff dwelling in the park. Fire retardant was laid down to help protect the perimeter. The right photo below shows where fire has burned down Chapin and Long Mesas. The developed areas and popular ruins viewed by visitors are on Chapin Mesa. At this time, no direct fire damage has been sustained within these ruins.