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Fire Danger Leads To Smoking Ban At Big Bend National Park Campground

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Published Date

April 16, 2018
Chisos Basin Campground in Big Bend National Park/NPS, Cookie Ballou

A smoking ban has been put in place for the Chisos Basin Campground at Big Bend National Park/NPS, Cookie Ballou

It might be cold and wet over a large portion of the nation, but at Big Bend National Park in Texas conditions are so dry that a smoking ban has been put in place at the Chisos Basin Campground. 

Due to prolonged extreme fire danger, the park already prohibits smoking on all Chisos Mountains trails, including popular day hikes such as the Lost Mine and Window Trails. Smoking will only be allowed at designated smoking areas (areas with outside cigarette/ash receptacles0.

Additionally, all types of fires are now also prohibited along the Rio Grande corridor within the park. A ban on charcoal fires was implemented in the park last month.

These measures will remain in effect until fire danger abates significantly.

Since January, precipitation in Big Bend has been well below normal, and the park is continuing to experience dry conditions with no foreseeable change. These factors result in extremely dry vegetation that is highly susceptible to even the smallest spark. A fire would spread rapidly, be difficult to suppress, and pose extreme risks to park visitors and staff.

Visitors can help Big Bend prevent fires by using pull-outs along roadways rather than parking on vegetation, using extreme caution while handling any type of flame (camp stoves, lighters, etc.), and properly disposing of cigarette butts where smoking is allowed.

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