Mesa Verde National Park News Release PR 22-04

Release Date: June 15, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. 

Contact: Keith Krause, keith_krause@nps.gov, 970-529-5049

Mesa Verde National Park Fire Restriction Order 

Pursuant to regulations of the Department of Interior, Title 54 USC section 100101 (a) and 36 Code of Federal Regulations, subsections 1.5 Closure and public use limits (a) (1), 2.13 Fires (a) (5) (c), 2.21 Smoking (a), and 2.38 Explosives (b) (c), the following acts are prohibited on the area, roads, and trails described below until rescinded by the Superintendent of Mesa Verde National Park.

• Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park in general.  Stoves and equipment fueled by petroleum or liquid Propane Gas (LPG) fuels are allowed.
• Smoking in vegetated areas, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed recreation site or stopped in an area devoid of vegetation at least 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter.
• Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, is prohibited at all times on all federal public lands, including Mesa Verde National Park.

The following persons are exempt from the order:

• Those persons with a permit authorizing the otherwise prohibited act, or in those areas authorized by written posted notice in the area of operation.  Permits may be obtained from Mesa Verde National Park.
• Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Area Description:

• All lands within the boundaries of Mesa Verde National Park.

Violation of the above, prohibited acts is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

For more information, contact Keith Krause, Mesa Verde National Park Fire Management Officer, at 970-529-5049.