Fire News

The 2012 summer season is shaping up to be very dry, with little snow this past winter, fuel moistures currently at an all time low, and temperatures across Colorado reaching record highs.

This page will provide park updates on any fire restrictions or other fire related information.

 

NORMAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

Campfires are allowed in fire grates at Morefield Campground and the Chapin Mesa Picnic Area.
Smoking is permitted outside, except within cliff dwellings and archeological sites.

 

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07/16/12 -- Fire Restrictions Have Again Been Reduced

Mesa Verde National Park has again reduced its fire restrictions. Our monsoon season has arrived, bringing much needed rainfall and increased humidity which has decreased the fire danger. Campfires are now allowed within designated campfire rings at Morefield Campground and the Chapin Mesa Picnic Area. Although the fire danger is no longer extreme, park visitors are urged to continue to be cautious and vigilant when using fire in these authorized locations or while smoking outside. Fireworks are always prohibited within the park. Read More>>

 

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07/11/12 - Fire Restriction Level Has Been Reduced to Stage 1

Due to the recent rains and increased humidity, Mesa Verde National Park is lowering its fire restriction level from "2" to "1". Although campfires are still banned in the park, charcoal grills are now allowed at the Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa Picnic Area. Smoking outside is also permitted, but only in a 4' by 4' area that is cleared of vegetation, such as a parking lot.

 

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06/25/12 - Mesa Verde National Park Open During Weber Fire

All services and facilities at Mesa Verde National Park are open despite the wildfires burning east of the park, noted Superintendent Cliff Spencer. "We will do our best to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for travelers," he said. "However, visitors should be aware that the park may receive smoke that could cause difficulties for people with respiratory health issues. And as always, visitor safety is our first concern."

For more information, click here

 

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06/25/12 - Weber Fire Information

Websites from area newspapers are providing Weber Fire updates:
http://www.durangoherald.com/
http://www.cortezjournal.com/

Additional information on the Weber Fire can be found at InciWeb, the Incident Information System at http://inciweb.org/incident/2937/

 

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06/20/12 - Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Mesa Verde National Park

Fire danger levels are now at "extreme" in Mesa Verde National Park, with continued hot, dry, and windy conditions forecast. The following fire restrictions take effect on Wednesday, June 20, 2012:
♦ No open fires are permitted within Mesa Verde National Park
♦ No smoking is permitted outside of a vehicle within Mesa Verde National Park

This restriction includes all areas and residences within the park. Pressurized gas stoves are permitted at Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa picnic area. Smoking is permitted only inside enclosed vehicles.

For more information, click here