News Release

Interagency Team successfully contains Watchman Campground Fire at Zion National Park

Burned vegetation in Watchman Campground. Maintenance staff removing hazard tree.

NPS / Amanda Rowland

News Release Date: July 29, 2023

Contact: Zion News Desk, [phone]

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Wildland firefighters successfully contained the ~1/4-acre Watchman Campground Fire on Saturday, July 29, 2023. At approximately 1257 a Law Enforcement Ranger that was patrolling and called in a fire in the Watchman Campground, D Loop. All visitors were evacuated from the Watchman Campground and traffic was kept on SR-9. Engines were dispatched and on scene at 1313. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Watchman Campground is located near the main entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale. The Watchman Campground has reopened. Visitors will be allowed to retrieve their belongings from the impacted sites. The nine of the impacted sites in the D loop will remain closed until further notice.    

“Thanks to the great collaboration with the interagency partners we were able to extinguish the fire with no loss of property and no infrastructure damage.” Lyndsay Fonger, Fire Management Officer Utah Parks Group, Zion National Park.   

During hot, dry conditions, everyone can take simple steps to reduce the chances of accidentally starting a wildfire. It is especially to remember:  

• Don’t build campfires in the park when fire use is restricted.  

• Secure trailer chains to make sure they don’t drag and spark a fire.  

• Keep trailers and RVs properly maintained, including tire pressure.  

• Don’t park a hot car or recreation vehicle in dry grass.  

Zion extends special thanks to our interagency partner:  

• Hurricane Valley Fire  

• US Forest Service 

• Bureau of Land Management  

• State of Utah 

• Springdale Police Department  

Learn more about how you can use fire sense and prevent wildfires