News Release

Fire Restrictions in Effect Starting May 24, 2020

Date: May 21, 2020
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4608

Persistent drought and dry weather conditions have resulted in extremely dry vegetation throughout Mesa Verde National Park. Because of the critical fire danger, the following fire restrictions take effect on Sunday, May 24, 2020:  No wood or charcoal fires are permitted throughout Mesa Verde National Park.
 
No wood or charcoal fires are permitted throughout Mesa Verde National Park. This includes all the residences inside the park, Morefield Campground, and the Chapin Mesa picnic area.  Pressurized gas stoves, lanterns and other equipment are permitted at Morefield Campground and the Chapin picnic area. No wood or charcoal burning fires are allowed in the campground fire rings or anywhere else in the park. Smoking and e-cigarettes are only permitted in vehicles, parking lots or developed areas clear of vegetation. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in an ash tray or other approved container. Fireworks are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park.  
 
This restriction shall remain in effect until such time as the fire danger in the park becomes less severe. Due to the lack of forecasted precipitation in the near future, these restrictions may be in place for an extended period of time. Your cooperation in decreasing the potential for a catastrophic fire within Mesa Verde National Park is appreciated.
 
This prohibition is based on 16 United States Code, Section 3 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations subsections 1.5 Closures and public use limits. (a)(1).; 2.13 Fires. (a)(5)(c); 2.21 Smoking. (a); and 2.38 Explosives. (b)(c). SW Colorado federal agency level 1 fire restrictions are also in effect.
 

-NPS-