Mesa Verde National Park Open During Weber Fire

Date: June 25, 2012
Contact: Betty Lieurance, 970-529-4608

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 safety reasons, the following fire restrictions are in effect:
♦No open fires are permitted within Mesa Verde National Park
♦No smoking is permitted outside of an enclosed vehicle within Mesa Verde National Park

The Weber fire is located east of the town of Mancos, Colorado, which is about 7 miles east of the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Prevailing winds generally blow smoke to the northeast, but localized weather cells can change wind direction at any time.

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

-NPS-