Fire damage from Cottonwood Creek Fire in 2019/NPS, Jacob Tung

An Arizona man who was trying to burn his toilet paper inadvertently started a wildfire at Grand Canyon National Park that burned 64 acres and resulted in a $53,520 bill for restitution.

Thomas Grabarek, 71, of Flagstaff, entered a guilty plea earlier this week to misdemeanor charges for starting the Cottonwood Creek Fire in October 2019, a park release said. The fire burned in the Inner Canyon along the Tonto Trail near Horseshoe Mesa.  

Grabarek was backpacking near Cottonwood Creek when he tried to burn some toilet paper "in an attempt to incinerate it," the release said. However, gusting winds pushed the fire quickly uphill, requiring immediate response by the park's wildland fire personnel.

In his plea agreement, Grabarek agreed to pay restitution totaling $53,520.03, the release said. These funds will help park managers rehabilitate the burned area over the course of the next four years. Grabarek also agreed to perform community service by making a public service announcement and assisting NPS staff in the creation of educational signs to be posted in the Backcountry Information Center regarding the dangers of burning toilet paper in the backcountry.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, nearly 85 percent of all wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans. If you are hiking and camping below the rim of Grand Canyon, gas stoves may be used, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed.