For The Journal
Mesa Verde National Park fire management staff is planning to implement a prescribed fire during the month of October, as weather allows. This controlled burn is being conducted to maintain a designated safety zone near the park’s Chapin Mesa headquarters area.
The 12-acre burn area is primarily composed of grass, and will maintain a safe area for visitors and park staff to go to in the event of a large wildfire in Mesa Verde National Park. Target dates will be from Oct. 1-31. The burn is expected to last one day.
Smoke may be visible from various in Cortez, Mancos and Towaoc, but is expected to dissipate during the day.
Anyone with health conditions that may be affected by short durations of smoke should contact Keith Krause at (970) 529-5062 or Robert Grubb at 970-529-5048. For more information, see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
