A fire near Mesa Verde National Park in 2012. Open fires will be banned beginning Sunday.
Mesa Verde National Park has announced that open fires will be banned throughout the park beginning Sunday because of persistent dry weather.
The ban includes all residences in the park, Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa picnic area, a news release said.
Pressurized gas stoves and contained charcoal or pellet grills, such as Weber or Smoky Joe grills, are permitted at Morefield Campground and the Chapin picnic area. No open, wood-burning fires are allowed anywhere in the park, including campground fire rings.
Smoking and e-cigarettes are permitted only in vehicles, parking lots or developed areas clear of vegetation. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in an approved container, and fireworks are prohibited.
