Lightning sparks grass fire at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (KKTV) - A lightning strike sparked a grass fire at a national park in Colorado.

Officials with the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve announced Wednesday afternoon that there was a fire was burning inside the park along Highway 150.

At 3pm, a fire started along the entrance road, in the grasslands. Park staff are working with neighboring fire agencies. At this time, inbound traffic and the visitor center are closed. There are no other evacuations. The park will provide updates as we receive them. pic.twitter.com/s9gFwvwYtV
— Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (@GreatDunesNPS) May 18, 2022

The grass fire scorched more than 300 acres by nightfall, but crews were able to get the upper hand, the national park said Wednesday evening.

Great Sand Dunes has reopened the park as of 8:15pm. The 306-acre Medano Fire is 80% contained. Fire crews will continue to work through the night until it is fully contained. Great Sand Dunes would like to thank all who helped keep our staff and visitors safe. pic.twitter.com/Sn7UeZ446P
— Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (@GreatDunesNPS) May 19, 2022