News Release

Moccasin Mesa Fire is 80% Contained

Date: August 9, 2018
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4068

Fire fighters have successfully completed 80% containment line on the Moccasin Mesa Fire, which has shown no perimeter growth since Sunday, August 5, when it was 185 acres. This lightning caused fire began Saturday, August 4, 2018 and remains under the command of the Durango Type 3 Incident Command Team; however, it is expected to transfer back to Mesa Verde National Park on Friday, August 10. There are 58 resources from multiple agencies, including National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Forest Service, State, and County working together on the incident. Fire fighters plan to complete the remaining containment line and maintain the established containment areas on Thursday. Although high temperatures were present again yesterday, there were no heat related issues, and there have been no injuries or other incidents related to the fire. 

The tributary of School Section Canyon is the final area of containment. This drainage has steep topography, which has posed one of the greatest challenges for fire fighting efforts. Minimal fire behavior yesterday allowed for more resources to focus on securing this area, and on overall containment. Hot and dry conditions are expected again today, but fire behavior is expected to once again be minimal.

The park is open. Services on Chapin Mesa are not impacted, however, the B Cut Parking Lot (the large parking lot near Park Point) remains closed to support fire resources. Please do not stop in the roadway, allow fire personnel to have right of way, and remember drones are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park. Please also use caution around the B Cut Parking Lot as there is heavy traffic in this area. The smoky conditions in the park are due to the fires in California and also the Plateau Fire near Dolores, Colorado.

We will update the park’s Facebook page regularly www.facebook.com/mesaverdenps. You can also find fire updates at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6102/.
 

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