Federal agencies have rescinded fire restrictions across several southeast Utah parks and the Fishlake National Forest following a period of higher humidity and lower temperatures. The changes, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, mark a moderation in fire danger across the region.
Southeast Utah Park Updates
According to the National Park Service, the decision to rescind restrictions in southeast Utah group parks was driven by moderating fire danger. The agency announced that Arches and Canyonlands national parks, along with Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, would lift all fire restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4.
The National Park Service noted that lower temperatures and higher humidity levels contributed to the change in conditions. Despite the easing of restrictions, the agency cautioned that the region remains in drought conditions and that vegetation remains dry, necessitating continued caution and fire safety practices throughout the year.
Fishlake National Forest Order
In addition to the national parks, the United States Forest Service has also terminated existing fire orders. The Fishlake National Forest officially terminated its Stage 1 fire restriction order, identified as Order Number 0408-26-10, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 4.
The original Stage 1 restrictions for the Fishlake National Forest were dated Aug. 31, 2026, and were signed by Forest Supervisor Michael T. Elson. The termination of these prohibitions was signed in Richfield, Utah, on Sept. 2, 2026.
Guidelines for Campfires
The National Park Service emphasized that while restrictions have been lifted, specific rules remain in place for recreation. Campfires and charcoal cooking are permitted only in agency-approved fire pits and grills located at developed recreation sites and picnic areas.
For those traveling through the backcountry, the agency specified that campfires along rivers must be contained within a hard-sided fire pan. Additionally, all fire debris and ash must be packed out of the backcountry by visitors.
Safety Precautions and Prohibitions
Federal authorities continue to urge visitors to take specific precautions to prevent wildfires and protect local communities. The National Park Service recommends that individuals carrying water, a shovel, a bucket, or a fire extinguisher when camping or working on public lands as a safety precaution.
Visitors are also advised to remain on established roads and trails to avoid igniting dry vegetation. Furthermore, the agency reminded the public that fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices remain strictly prohibited on all federal public lands. To prevent human-caused wildfires, officials suggest keeping areas surrounding fire, charcoal, or pressurized-fuel devices clear of all flammable vegetation.
Resources for Fire Safety
The lifting of these restrictions follows a period of increased fire danger. For more information regarding preventing human-caused wildfires, agency-specific restrictions, and reference maps, the National Park Service directs the public to utahfiresense.org or utahfireinfo.gov.
