Fire Restrictions Imposed Last Month in Grand Canyon to be Lifted

Date: July 7, 2014
Contact: Maureen Oltrogge, 928-638-7779
Contact: Kirby Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Monsoonal weather patterns have moved into the Grand Canyon area decreasing fire danger. As a result, on Tuesday, July 8 at 8 a.m. fire managers will lift fire restrictions within Grand Canyon National Park. 

On June 13, the park implemented restrictions on all wood burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires and charcoal barbecues. As monsoonal moisture settles into the area, fire danger has decreased allowing fire managers to lift those restrictions. Grand Canyon National Park restrictions are being lifted in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, Tribal partners, and intergovernmental agencies in Northern Arizona.

The National Park Service would like to remind everyone that although fire danger is no longer at extreme, visitors should continue to be fire aware, use extra care and consult the managing agency when visiting their public lands. 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 cigarette butts out in your pocket.
• If you are using a portable stove, be careful to set the stove up in an area void of fuels and be careful to prevent the stove from tipping over.
• Campfires should not be left unattended and should be completely extinguished when leaving your campsite. Consider alternatives to campfires.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all 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 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 or visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov.

-NPS-