News Release

Capitol Reef National Park Rescinds Stage II Fire Restrictions, Remains in Stage I

Date: July 29, 2021
Contact: Superintendent, 435-425-4100

Torrey, UT  – Capitol Reef National Park rescinds Stage II Fire Restrictions as of July 30, 2021. The park will remain in Stage I Fire Restrictions effective July 30, 2021 due to increased precipitation levels resulting from robust monsoon activity.

Pursuant to regulations of the Department of the Interior, Title 54 USC section 100101(a), and section 36 Code of Federal Regulations, subsections 1.5 Closure and public use limits (a)(1), and 2.13 Fires (a)(5)(c), 2.21 Smoking, the former Fire Restriction Order for Capitol Reef National Park, issued on June 30, 2021 Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, is rescinded.

STAGE I Fire Restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger.

The following are a list of PROHIBITIONS.

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 CFR 261.52 (a) This includes charcoal barbecues and grills. 
   EXCEPTION: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed campgrounds and the use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or a fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with a ¼” spark arrester type screen is permitted.  
2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed campsite, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261(b).
3. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR 261.52(h).
4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher. 36 CFR 261.52(i)
5. Using an explosive. 36 CFR 261.52 (b)

The following EXEMPTIONS apply.

1. Persons with a valid permit or contract specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission may be eligible for an exemption from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4 and #5. Any exemption must be applied for in writing, include an appropriate mitigation plan and must be authorized in writing by the park superintendent. The authorization must be in the physical possession of the person or persons undertaking the exempted activities. 
2. Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty is exempt from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4 and #5.

If you choose to get outside, please act responsibly. Visit www.nps.gov/subjects/fire/wildland-fire-safety.htm to learn about wildland fire and safety for park visitors. Information concerning this rescission or the related, previous fire restrictions may be obtained by calling [phone].

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