Extreme fire danger has come to Mesa Verde National Park/NPS file, Sandy Groves

July hasn't yet arrived, but extreme fire conditions have come to the southwestern Colorado landscape that is home to Mesa Verde National Park.

"Due to continued hot and dry weather conditions, Mesa Verde will be moving into 'extreme fire danger' on Monday, June 22," a park release said Friday. "An 'extreme fire danger' rating means that fires have a high potential to escape initial attack. There are currently no fires in the park."

Due to the increased fire danger the park plans to close the following trails on Monday, June 22:

• Spruce Canyon Trail
• Point Lookout Trail
• Prater Ridge Trail
• Lower Petroglyph Trail
• Wetherill Mesa Road, sites, and trails will remain closed

The previous fire ban remains in effect: No wood or charcoal fires are permitted throughout Mesa Verde National Park.  This includes all the residences inside the park, Morefield Campground, and the Chapin Mesa picnic area.

Pressurized gas stoves, lanterns and other equipment are permitted at Morefield Campground and the Chapin picnic area. No wood or charcoal burning fires are allowed in the campground fire rings or anywhere else in the park.

Smoking and e-cigarettes are only permitted in vehicles, parking lots, or developed areas clear of vegetation. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in an ash tray or other approved container. Fireworks are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park. 

These restrictions and closures will remain in effect until such time as the fire danger in the park becomes less severe. Due to the lack of forecasted precipitation in the near future, these restrictions may be in place for an extended period of time.