Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, USA, just as the last rays of sun were hitting it.
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah Credit: Joseph Corl / Unsplash

With drought conditions and dangerously dry vegetation persisting across southeastern Utah, several national parks and monuments are increasing fire restrictions starting Friday, August 1.

The new rules apply to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument. Park officials said the measures are necessary to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Under these restrictions, setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using any kind of open fire is prohibited. Petroleum and propane-fueled stoves and grills may only be used in designated backcountry campsites and zones, along river corridors, and in developed campgrounds and picnic areas that are cleared of all flammable materials within at least a three-foot diameter.

Additional rules already in place will continue, including:

  • Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or in paved areas free of vegetation, with cigarette butts disposed of in ashtrays.
  • A ban on fireworks or pyrotechnic devices at all times on federal public lands.
  • Prohibitions on grinding, cutting, or welding metal in areas with dry vegetation.
  • A requirement that all internal and external combustion engines be equipped with a properly installed and maintained spark arrestor.

Park officials urged visitors to stay vigilant and practice fire safety at all times. That includes fully extinguishing campfires, staying on established roads and trails to avoid dry vegetation, properly disposing of cigarettes, and making sure trailer chains do not drag or spark.

“Being fire-wise helps prevent wildfires, keeps families safe, protects communities, and reduces unnecessary risk to firefighters,” the announcement stated.

More information on fire restrictions and wildfire prevention is available at utahfireinfo.gov.

Stay connected to the parks you love!

Sign up for weekly updates with the top National Park news—delivered straight to your inbox!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Heather Bergeson is a writer and editor based in Utah. Heather has written about travel, sports, business and the outdoors for Utah Life magazine, Utah Business magazine and Moab Sun News. She has a bachelor's...