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Moccasin Mesa Fire 50 Percent Contained as Mop-Up Begins

Mesa Verde National Park

The Moccasin Mesa Fire at Mesa Verde National Park is 50 percent contained, a noticeable jump from 5 percent earlier this week. Its size remains unchanged at 185 acres. 

The fire started Saturday morning in an area previously affected by the 1972 Moccasin Mesa Fire and 2003’s Balcony House Complex Fire. Though the burn scars are slowing growth, the steep terrain of the fire’s southern boundary is one of the “greatest challenges” firefighters are facing, according to a release from the national park.

 

Crews are working on mop-up operations to strengthen control lines and are talking with park officials on how to best prevent potential damage to archaeological sites.

 

B Cut parking lot near Park Point is still closed for fire resources, while the Chapin Mesa picnic area reopened Tuesday. The park remains open with regular hours.

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