You are here

Home » Fire Restrictions Taking Effect At Zion National Park

Fire Restrictions Taking Effect At Zion National Park

Share

Published Date

June 7, 2024

Fire restrictions take effect in Zion Canyon on Saturday/NPS file

Rapidly drying out vegetation in southern Utah has prompted Zion National Park officials to announce fire restrictions beginning Saturday.

Vegetation has grown tall in the park thanks to a wet winter and spring. But invasive grasses, like cheatgrass, are now drying out and becoming extremely flammable in the summer heat, park staff said Friday in a release. The vegetation presents a significant fire danger to park visitors and facilities, especially in the campgrounds in Zion Canyon.

"One person’s actions can effect thousands of acres of land,” said Lyndsay Fonger, Zion's fire management officer. “Make sure you do not smoke near dry plants or build campfires in Zion Canyon to protect people, property, and the park itself.”

Effective at 12:01 a.m. MT on Saturday fire restrictions will be implemented in Zion Canyon. Restrictions include no smoking near vegetation or building campfires in Watchman Campground. This will stay in effect until lifted by the park superintendent.

Fire restrictions:

  • Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park in general, and specifically campfires and charcoal fires within Watchman Campground or picnic areas in Zion Canyon.
  • Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid Propane Gas (LPG) fuels are allowed.
  • Smoking in vegetated areas, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed recreation site or stopped in an area devoid of vegetation at least 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter.

Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

No matter when you visit Zion, and especially in hot, dry summer months, remember:

  • Your car engine may be hot, especially after long drives. Park away from dry plants, and never park on top of plants.
  • Check chains on trailers to make sure they don't drag under your car.
  • Using fireworks is prohibited all the time on public lands.

Related Stories:

Wyoming Seeking Federal Land Grab, Utah Wants To Co-Manage National Parks

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.