Fire Restrictions to be Implemented in Zion National Park; Campfires Prohibited in Zion Canyon

You are viewing ARCHIVED content

This content was published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. For current information, visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/index.htm.

News Release Date: May 18, 2017
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811

As a result of dry grass contributing to high fire danger in the lower elevations of Zion National Park, restrictions are being instituted prohibiting campfires in Zion Canyon and smoking in vegetated areas. These restrictions will be in effect starting at12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 and will be enforced until rescinded by the Superintendent. Park officials feel that the risk to public safety and property within Zion National Park from a human-caused fire is great enough that these restrictions are necessary.
 
Late winter and early spring rains have led to an abundant crop of invasive grasses growing in Zion Canyon. These grasses are now curing out and becoming extremely flammable. They present a significant fire danger to park visitors and facilities, especially in the campgrounds in Zion Canyon. The higher elevation Lava Point Campground will still allow campfires.    
 
The following acts will be prohibited in Zion National Park until further notice starting Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:01 a.m.
 

• Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire (including charcoal) in campgrounds (excluding Lava Point Campground), picnic areas, or permanently improved places of habitation.*           
  *Stoves and grills fueled by petroleum fuels such as Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), butane, or white gas are allowed.

• Smoking in vegetated areas.* 
  *No smoking except in an enclosed vehicle, or a developed recreation site clear of vegetation, or other areas devoid of vegetation with a minimum of three (3) feet in diameter clear down to mineral soil.

• Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, is prohibited at all times on all federal lands, including Zion National Park.

 
Violation of the above, prohibited acts is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than twelve months, or both.
 
For information concerning fire restrictions in Zion National Park call 435 772-3256. 
 

RSS Feed | What is RSS?