News Release

Park Implements Preventative Measures Due to Extreme Fire Danger

Date: April 17, 2018
Contact: Tim Havens, 575-236-1423

Due to prolonged extreme fire danger, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has implemented the following preventative measures:
 

• Closure of the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive

• Charcoal fires are prohibited

• Smoking is prohibited, except inside personal vehicles

• Open flames and cooking stoves are prohibited in the backcountry

The extreme fire danger is due to high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds that have resulted in very dry vegetation. 

This is one of the driest years at the park since 2001, with only 1.06 inches of precipitation since October 2017. The park continues to experience dry conditions with no foreseeable change. These factors result in extremely dry vegetation that is highly susceptible to even the smallest spark.

These measures will be in effect until the fire danger subsides.