Due to high summer heat, ongoing drought conditions, and sparse rainfall, fire danger is increasing across many parts of the National Park System in the western United States.

Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep

Due to very dry conditions and increasing fire danger in Southeast Utah, Superintendent Kate Cannon has announced fire restrictions for Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 1, fires will be permitted only in designated fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Open fires are prohibited in backcountry campsites at all times. Petroleum fueled stoves and grills will still be permitted in designated backcountry campsites, as well as in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.

Smoking will be prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles, parking lots or developed areas that are cleared of all flammable materials for at least three feet in diameter. Visitors are reminded to exercise caution and to properly extinguish all lighted smoking materials.

In the river corridors where there are no designated campsites, petroleum fueled stoves are the recommended method for cooking. At this time, charcoal fires will continue to be allowed in the river corridors if completely contained within a metal fire pan.

Fireworks are prohibited at all times in these national parks.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Over the past five years, the Sierra Nevada has experienced an unprecedented drought. The number of dead and dying trees continues to grow. While the area received a near-normal rainfall and snowpack this year, the threat of unwanted wildfires is still here. Due to the winter rains, grasses and other annuals have grown and now dried out, further fueling the risk from wildfire, especially in lower elevations. 

Additionally, all across the state, areas are beginning to see the growth of large wildfires fueled by above-normal temperatures stretching resources.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent Woody Smeck said, “In order to protect our visiting public, staff, and the parks resources and assets, we must be proactive in our approach to preventing unwanted wildfires.”

Therefore, directed by the superintendent, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect. This means that wood or charcoal fire will be prohibited in Buckeye Flat, Potwisha, and South Fork Campgrounds, as well as Ash Mountain and Hospital Rock Picnic Areas. This also includes Wilderness areas below 6,000 feet.

Smoking is also prohibited below 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, a campground or picnic area where wood and charcoal fires are allowed, or a designated smoking area.

Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are still permitted in all areas.

Valles Caldera National Preserve

A wildland fire is burning in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The Big Hat fire, discovered after last week's thunderstorms, is estimated to be approximately two acres in size. It is located on Banco Bonito, east of the staging area in the southwestern portion of the preserve. The fire, caused by lightning, is currently creeping through pine needles and surface fuels, occasionally flaring up in jackpots of dead and downed wood; the entire fire area is in a portion of the preserve's forest that had been thinned over the last two years, and was scheduled for burning this autumn. As such, removing forest-floor fuels and improving wildlife habitat, while conserving the cultural resources in the area.

There are currently no closures or impacts to recreation due to the fire. It is not threatening any structures and will be monitored by fire managers who may use a full range of actions such as conducting hand or aerial ignitions, to delay, direct, or minimize the spread of fire in one or more areas if necessary.

The current weather forecast calls for a chance of thunderstorms each day of the week, and the fire activity will change day to day. On drier days, an increase in smoke and fire behavior may be noticed. On days with more clouds and moisture there may be little or no smoke or fire growth. However, smoke may be a health concern for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those suffering from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, or other heart or lung diseases. To reduce exposure to smoke, stay indoors with windows, doors, and vents closed. Avoid or limit physical activities outdoors.