News Release

Fire Danger at Very High, Open Fires Prohibited

Date: July 1, 2024
Contact: Chris Symons

As of July 1, 2024, all fires in Pinnacles National Park are prohibited for the remainder of the summer fire season. At the VERY HIGH fire level, these restrictions include prohibitions on all open flames, fire pits, and grills, regardless of fuel type. Gas, charcoal, propane, and wood burning grills and fire pits are all not allowed anywhere in the park while the fire restrictions are in place. Smoking on trails and hanging electric lights from trees and other park vegetation is also not permitted.

Propane fire pits have not been permitted in the Pinnacles National Park campground since 2022, but there has been some confusion in the past due to other recreation areas making exceptions for fire pits using gas-based fuel sources. Due to there still being an open flame, there is still a danger posed by propane fire pits, and they are thus included in the prohibitions for fire restrictions.

Small camp stoves with protected burners are permitted exclusively in campsite and picnic areas, and they are only authorized for immediate cooking purposes only. A protected burner device is critical for keeping the risk of an accidental fire in the campground at a minimum, and should still always be closely attended while in use for cooking.

Fireworks are never permitted in Pinnacles National Park. Especially this time of year, when fire danger is peaking, fireworks can cause massive devastation and death and are strictly prohibited. The park asks the public, for the safety of the resources and people, to please respect this rule.

Pinnacles is also in the midst of a multi-week heatwave, with daily temperature highs exceeding 100 (F) degrees all last week and expected to continue. This Saturday alone is expected to reach 115 (F) degrees on the East side. On such days, and especially so with strong wind, the risk of fire is extremely hazardous due to the potential for rapid spread. The Airline Fire, as of 7/3/24, is currently ongoing along Highway 25 north of the East entrance, sized to about 1,200 acres. The park is continuing to monitor this situation and will respond as necessary if the need arises.

We all share the responsibility of recreating safely, especially so during wildfire season in areas like Pinnacles that burn easily. Help do your part by following the restrictions, and notify a Ranger if you see someone else engaging in risky behavior outside the fire restrictions.

For more information, read up on Management Policies, Current Conditions, Fire Danger, and more at www.nps.gov/pinn or follow Pinnacles National Park on Instagram and Facebook. Download the NPS app for park information on your cell, with offline access to park maps and conditions.