Grand Canyon National Park to Implement Additional Fire Restrictions

News Release Date: June 19, 2012

Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. - Due to Extreme Fire Danger throughout Grand Canyon National Park, park officials will be increasing fire restrictions and extending them to all areas within the park except the Colorado River corridor.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, all wood burning AND charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires and charcoal barbeques, will be prohibited throughout the park, including all campgrounds and residential areas.

The restrictions are 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 now at Extreme Fire Danger and are expected to remain at Extreme until monsoonal moisture occurs. The restrictions will remain in place until significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.

"With this new level of restrictions, we are increasing our efforts to reduce the risk of accidental fire ignitions," said acting Chief of Fire and Aviation Chris Marks. "We hope visitors will also consider taking some additional voluntary precautions."

When visiting your public lands during high fire danger, be fire aware, and use extra care. Taking a few 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 a smoker, smoke only on paved surfaces or in an enclosed vehicle; and never toss cigarette butts on the ground.  Use an ashtray or pack butts out in your pocket.
• 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, even when they are allowed. During times of high fire danger unattended campfires are likely to escape.
• 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 https://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.   

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