Fire restrictions were rescinded for Arches and Canyonlands national parks, as well as Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, according to a news release from the National Park Service. The decision followed lower temperatures and higher humidity that moderated fire danger across southeastern Utah.
The rescission was scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 4. Despite the change, the region remains in drought conditions with dry vegetation, and officials advised visitors to continue practicing fire safety.
Campfires and charcoal cooking are permitted in agency-approved fire pits and grills at developed recreation sites and picnic areas. For backcountry use, campfires along rivers must be contained within a hard-sided fire pan, and all ash and debris must be packed out. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices remain prohibited on all federal public lands.
Visitors are encouraged to keep areas surrounding fire or pressurized-fuel devices clear of flammable vegetation. Safety precautions, such as carrying a shovel, water, bucket, or fire extinguisher, are recommended when working or camping on public lands.
