News Release

Lighting Causes Moccasin Mesa Fire in Mesa Verde

Date: August 5, 2018
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4608

The Moccasin Mesa Fire was reported by Park Point Lookout on August 4, 2018 at approximately noon. This fire is located on Moccasin Mesa near the southeast boundary of the park.  As of the morning of August 5, this fire is approximately 185 acres. Personnel supporting this fire include NPS employees from Mesa Verde, Canyon De Chelly National Monument, and Canyonlands National Park; employees from Ute Mountain Fire; engines from Freemont County and Pike National Forest; one Type 2 and one Type 3 helicopter; air attack and multiple Single Engine Air Tankers; and a 20-person Type 2 crew from the Navajo Nation. The local Type 3 Incident Command Team, out of Durango, Colorado will assume command of the fire this afternoon.

The park is open. Services on Chapin Mesa are not impacted, except for the Chapin Mesa Picnic Area, which is closed for fire operations. Areas of the Visitor and Research Center parking lot have been coned off for fire equipment. Please do not stop in the roadway, allow fire personnel to have right away, and remember drones are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park.

We will update the park’s Facebook page regularly www.facebook.com/mesaverdenps.

-NPS-