Fire crews continue to work to contain a fire that began about 4 p.m. Friday on the north side of Park Point in Mesa Verde National Park, according to the National Park Service’s website.
As of 8 p.m. Monday, the fire remained at 22 acres and was at 40% containment. Fire activity was minimal with light smoke as trees and brush within the perimeter continued to smolder, according to the NPS’s website. Tuesday’s weather is warmer with afternoon winds expected, and fire crews will continue to suppress the fire.
The park was temporarily closed at the entrance Friday afternoon as fire crews assessed the situation and began work containing the fire. By 7:30 p.m. the park road was reopened to visitors, according to Mesa Verde National Park’s Facebook page.
A smokejumper team from Grand Junction responded Saturday morning, as well as aerial resources to drop water and fire retardant. Fire crews from the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs and other local resources have worked to contain the fire.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s Montrose Helitack, a large air tanker, and two single-engine air tankers have been aiding aerially to create a fire line to avoid further spread.
“Despite high temperatures and gusty winds through the afternoon, the fire did not grow,” the NPS website says. “The limited number of resources dedicated to the fire have made good progress in constructing fire line to check the fire’s spread.”
The park remains open, and Park Point Overlook and main road pullouts are expected to reopen Monday morning. A temporary flying restriction was put in place around the fire to keep the area clear for fire crews.
The park reminds visitors that drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited in the park, and it’s especially important to keep them out of the air in the fire area. Year-round fire restrictions also exist within the park, restricting fires to fire rings and grills.
