A new wildfire that was first reported on July 6 around 7:30 p.m. has resulted in the closure of an area at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.

According to the national park, what’s been dubbed the Long Canyon Fire was started by lightning, burning in its namesake canyon. It was initially estimated to be about 0.5 acres in size with no additional update published at time of reporting.

As a result of the blaze, the Wetherill Mesa area is closed for the safety of the public and for firefighter access. This area includes Wetherill Mesa Road, as well as the Long House and the Step House cliff dwellings. The majority of the park remains open at this time, including Main Park Road, Cliff Palace Loop, Mesa Top Loop, Morefield Campground, and the Far View area and lodge.

Given the fire’s location in rugged terrain, aerial tactics are playing a primarily role in the suppression effort on July 7. In addition to suppression, firefighters are actively working to protect life, property, natural resources, and cultural resources.

The closed Long House is the second-largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, home to 150 rooms and 21 kivas with a large kiva-plaza at its center. It’s believed to have been constructed around 1200 to 1300 CE.

So far, updates have been posted to the Mesa Verde National Park website here.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)