Grand Canyon’s South Rim to Implement Campfire Restrictions

Date: June 7, 2012
Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. - Due to continued hot, dry and windy conditions and increasing fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim will begin campfire restrictions tomorrow (Friday, June 8) at 8 a.m. All wood burning fires, including campfires and warming fires, will be prohibited throughout the South Rim, including campgrounds and residential areas.  

This restriction is being implemented in response to current and predicted weather and fuel conditions, as well as corresponding fire danger rating levels. Both rims of Grand Canyon National Park are currently at Very High Fire Danger; and fire danger is expected to continue to increase until monsoonal moisture occurs. The restriction will remain in place until significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.    

 "Given current environmental conditions, any wildfire would have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior," said acting Grand Canyon Chief of Fire and Aviation Chris Marks. "As we phase in fire restrictions, we reduce the potential for accidental fire ignitions in the park." 

When visiting your public lands during high fire danger, please remember to be fire aware. Taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference.

• Before going hiking or camping, check for fire restrictions and closures in the area. Direct your inquiries to the agency that manages the public lands you are visiting.
• If you are using a portable stove, clear the area of grasses and other fine fuels and be careful to prevent the stove from tipping over.
• Consider alternatives to campfires. During times of High fire danger (and above) unattended campfires are likely to escape.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out cigarette butts and burned materials.
• If you are driving on unpaved roads, be careful of parking or driving your vehicle in tall, dry vegetation. Hot vehicle parts may start a fire.
• If you see smoke or fire, note the location and report it to authorities. Do NOT attempt to put out a fire by yourself. 

For the latest fire information in Grand Canyon National Park, please visit our web site at http://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/fire_info.htm. To learn more about fire restrictions on other public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, please call the Southwest Area Fire Restriction Information Line at 877-864-6985.  

-NPS-