Fire Management

Long Canyon Fire Information

Wildland firefighters are responding to the Long Canyon Fire, which was reported on July 6, 2026, at approximately 7:30 pm. The fire is located in Long Canyon near the park’s Wetherill Mesa area. The fire was lightning caused. The fire was initially estimated to be 0.5 acres.

Wetherill Mesa will reopen July 9, 2026. Fire suppression efforts have gone well, with very little change in the fire’s footprint and minimal observed fire behavior. Thank you to all the fire personnel who have helped!

We're excited to welcome visitors back to Wetherill Mesa! While the area has reopened, fire personnel may still be working nearby. Please avoid stopping along roadways, be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel, and help keep traffic moving so fire operations can continue safely. Thank you for helping our firefighters while enjoying the park.

Fire Restrictions

Mesa Verde National Park will be in stage two fire restrictions starting July 3, 2026 at 12:01 am. Please see the press release and superintendent's order for more information.

Understanding Fires at Mesa Verde

For approximately one hundred years, fire suppression in the southwest has increased fuel loadings and density of vegetation in many areas. The likelihood of large destructive wildfires in Mesa Verde National Park is increasing due to increased fuel loadings and recent drought conditions, posing threats to the park's infrastructure, cultural and natural resources, and human safety. Because of the increased threat of large wildfires, Mesa Verde has implemented several strategies to help protect the park's resources and human life. In addition to basic suppression, the park has initiated programs for prescribed fire and hazard fuel reduction. Although the threat of fire still exists, Mesa Verde National Park is becoming increasingly prepared to defend itself because of these fire protection and prevention programs.