News Release

Park Entrance Reopened Following Lightning-Caused Wildfire

A view from the park entrance station to burned grasslands and dunes
The Medano Fire burned through grasslands southwest of the dunefield. See additional photos below.

NPS/Kathy Faz

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News Release Date: May 18, 2022

Contact: Kathy Faz, 719-378-6341

Update 3:00 pm Thursday, May 19

The Medano Fire is 100% contained, but crews are still monitoring and addressing hot spots at the site. The park remains open. Please call the visitor center at 719-378-6395 during business hours if you have questions. See additional photos below.

 

Original Press Release Wednesday, May 18

At approximately 3pm on Wednesday, May 18, a lightning-caused fire ignited along the entrance road to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Park staff continue to work with multiple partners including the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Alamosa Fire Department, Mosca/Hooper Fire Department, and responding personnel from the San Luis Valley Interagency Fire Management Unit to manage the 306-acre Medano fire. The fire is now 80% contained. The fire burned through brush and grass to the west of the park entrance road. No structures were impacted. Inbound traffic was prevented from entering the park to allow wildland fire fighters to actively manage and contain the fire. Fire crews will remain on scene tonight until the fire is contained. As of 8:15pm, Great Sand Dunes reopened the park for inbound traffic. Great Sand Dunes would like to thank all who helped keep our staff and visitors safe.  



Additional Photos of the Medano Fire

Aerial Medano Fire Aftermath
Aerial view of the 306-acre burned area of the Medano Fire

Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control Multi-Mission Aircraft

A line of wildfire burns through grasslands southwest of the dunes
The Medano Fire burns through grasslands May 18

NPS photo

Last updated: May 19, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Visitor Center
11999 State Highway 150

Mosca, CO 81146

Phone:

719 378-6395
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center main number

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