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Contact: Denny Ziemann, 435-719-2120
Due to the continued very high fire danger and current level of fire activity in the State of Utah, Superintendent Kate Cannon has announced fire restrictions for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments. Fires are permitted only in designated fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. All open fires are prohibited in backcountry campsites. However, petroleum fueled stoves and grills will still be permitted in designated backcountry campsites, as well as developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Smoking is also prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles, parking lots or developed areas that are cleared of all flammable materials for at least three feet in diameter. Visitors are reminded to exercise caution and to properly extinguish all lighted smoking materials. In the river corridors where there are no designated campsites, petroleum fueled stoves are probably the safest method for cooking, however charcoal fires will be allowed if completely contained within a metal fire pan. Cannon stated that "the fire season has arrived extremely early to Utah this year and firefighting resources are likely to be stretched to the limit. In cooperation with local, state and other federal agencies, we must take these precautions to ensure the safety of park visitors and resources." These fire restrictions are effective beginning June 14, 2012 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice. Information on statewide fire restrictions can be found at http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015