Zion orders new fire restrictions

Zion National Park entered Stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday, May 22, at 12:01 a.m., the National Park Service said, as dry conditions and increasing fire danger tightened rules ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The order applies to all lands within the park and remains in effect until the superintendent rescinds it. KSL reported on May 24 that the Zion order came alongside new restrictions in other parts of Utah before one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The park’s order bars open fires of any kind, including campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground and picnic areas in Zion Canyon, according to the National Park Service. Smoking is also barred in vegetated areas except inside an enclosed vehicle, at a developed recreation site, or in an area cleared of vegetation at least 3 feet in diameter. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices remain prohibited. (nps.gov) ### Which fire rules changed inside Zion? Zion’s Stage 2 order is stricter than the broader Stage 1 restrictions that took effect elsewhere in southwest Utah on the same date. The National Park Service said petroleum- or propane-fueled cook stoves are still allowed in Zion, and campers at Lava Point Campground may still use established fire rings. Violating the park restrictions can bring a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. (nps.gov) Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent, said in the park release that “dry conditions are increasing across the region” and that the restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires in Zion. He said visitors can help protect the park, nearby communities and firefighters by following the rules during their visit. ### Which other Utah areas are now under restrictions? (nps.gov) Washington County said Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect on May 22 for all unincorporated areas of the county because of rapidly increasing fire danger, extremely dry vegetation and persistent drought conditions. The county said it was aligning its rules with restrictions being imposed by federal and state partners. The Bureau of Land Management said Stage 1 restrictions also began May 22 at 12:01 a.m. on all BLM-managed lands in Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield and Beaver counties in Utah. (nps.gov) Those restrictions prohibit building or maintaining open fires or campfires using solid fuels or other ash-producing fuel, among other acts listed in the agency’s fire prevention order. (washco.utah.gov) ### Why is Zion on Stage 2 while nearby lands are on Stage 1? The National Park Service said Zion moved to Stage 2 because of increasing fire danger and dry conditions across southwest Utah. Nearby federal and local agencies announced Stage 1 restrictions for surrounding lands, which means the park’s rules are tighter than some adjacent jurisdictions even as the region responds to the same fire risk. KSL and St. George News both reported that Zion’s measures were the stricter set in the area. (blm.gov) Utah Fire Info said active fire restrictions can vary by jurisdiction and publishes current orders and maps for the state. The National Park Service also said visitors should check current rules before traveling because restrictions differ by agency and location. ### What should Memorial Day visitors check before they go? Memorial Day travelers heading to Zion should confirm whether they will be inside the national park, on BLM land, or in unincorporated county areas, because the rules are not identical. (nps.gov) Zion directed visitors to its park information channels and listed a public information number, 435-772-7842, for fire restrictions. Utah Fire Info and Washington County are also posting current orders and updates online. (utah-fire-info-utahdnr.hub.arcgis.com) The current Zion order took effect on May 22 and stays in place until rescinded by the superintendent, while Washington County’s and the BLM’s southwest Utah restrictions also remain in effect until further notice. (nps.gov)