Update 3:00 pm Thursday, May 19
The Medano Fire is 100% contained, but crews are still monitoring and addressing hot spots at the site. The park remains open. Please call the visitor center at 719-378-6395 during business hours if you have questions. See additional photos below.
Original Press Release Wednesday, May 18
At approximately 3pm on Wednesday, May 18, a lightning-caused fire ignited along the entrance road to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Park staff continue to work with multiple partners including the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Alamosa Fire Department, Mosca/Hooper Fire Department, and responding personnel from the San Luis Valley Interagency Fire Management Unit to manage the 306-acre Medano fire. The fire is now 80% contained. The fire burned through brush and grass to the west of the park entrance road. No structures were impacted. Inbound traffic was prevented from entering the park to allow wildland fire fighters to actively manage and contain the fire. Fire crews will remain on scene tonight until the fire is contained. As of 8:15pm, Great Sand Dunes reopened the park for inbound traffic. Great Sand Dunes would like to thank all who helped keep our staff and visitors safe.
Original source can be found here.
