Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Strict fire limits in place in Mesa Verde

National park is bone-dry; San Juans, Durango face no ban

Recent hot, dry and breezy weather resulting in extremely dry vegetation throughout Mesa Verde National Park has caused the park to implement fire restrictions which will take effect today.

Mesa Verde National Park said in a news release that because of a lack of precipitation, open fires will not be permitted throughout the park. This includes all the residences inside the park, Morefield Campground and the Chapin Mesa picnic area.

Open wood-burning fires will not be allowed in the campground fire rings or anywhere else. Fireworks also are prohibited.

Pressurized gas stoves and contained charcoal grills are permitted at Morefield Campground and the Chapin picnic area.

Smoking is permitted only inside enclosed vehicles.

Restrictions will remain in effect until the fire danger in the park becomes less severe.

The Stage 1 fire restrictions that were in effect for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation were lifted July 16 because of rain and high relative humidity, said Howard Richards Jr., Southern Ute Indian Tribe supervisory forest technician.

The San Juan National Forest does not have any fire restrictions, said Ann Bond, U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman for the San Juan National Forest.

La Plata County did not ever turn to a burn ban, so there are currently no restrictions in place for Durango, said Hal Doughty, deputy chief of operations with Durango Fire Protection District.

tferraro@durangoherald.com



Reader Comments