Mesa Verde Park in Colorado Reopens Following Fires

July 22, 2003

Mesa Verde Park in Colorado Reopens Following Fires
The famous tourist destination Mesa Verde National Park reopened yesterday following a closure due to a stream of wildfires caused by lightning.

According to CNN.com and the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau, an NTA member, about 1,000 acres have burned in and around the Mesa Verde National Park, causing visitors to be temporarily evacuated. The fire is now considered 10 percent contained and the park is open for regularly scheduled tours of Balcony House, Cliff Palace and Long House. Currently, trails located on Chapin Mesa and Morefield Campground remain closed for fire crews.

Officials in the area indicate that of the six fires that began last week in the Rocky Mountain region, one has been put out and three have been contained. Tourists venturing to Mesa Verda should be aware that fire rescue operations remain in progress and heavy equipment and helicopters surround the area.

For more on this story, visit CNN.com.