Date: November 21, 2016
Contact: Patressa Kearns, 540-999-3500, x. 3397
Shenandoah National Park to Extend Fire Restrictions to Entire Park
Luray, Virginia: Shenandoah National Park will extend fire restrictions to the entire area of the Park on Monday, November 21, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. Due to exceptionally dry conditions and the potential for extreme fire behavior, these restrictions will be in effect until the Park receives sufficient precipitation to lift fire restrictions.
Building, attending, maintaining or using an open fire anywhere within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park is prohibited. This ban includes:
- All wood, charcoal, coal or other solid-fuel open air fires.
- Fires in grates, grills, rings or pits in campgrounds, picnic areas, shelters and huts.
- Please note that wood, charcoal, coal or other solid-fuel fires are always prohibited in the backcountry of the entire Shenandoah National Park.
The use of pressurized gas-fuel camp stoves and backpacking stoves will be allowed in Dundo Picnic Grounds and in the backcountry. However, the use of liquid-fuel or wood-fuel portable stoves is prohibited.
Smoking will be permitted only inside vehicles and at established paved or gravel parking areas. Smoking will be prohibited on all trails.
These restrictions will better provide for public safety. Shenandoah National Park and surrounding lands are significantly dry and the potential for wildland fires is high.
Fire restrictions beginning November 21 will remain in effect until conditions improve with significant rain or snow over time, decreasing the fire hazard.
Shenandoah National Park, the Skyline Drive and other facilities and services remain open as scheduled. For more information go to https://www.nps.gov/shen or call the park at (540) 999-3500 ext. 3397.
