Fire restrictions lifted inside Zion National Park campground where fire burned in July
Wildfires are still raging in some places — smoke from ongoing fires in Canada and northern California were still blanketing large swaths of North America — but conditions have improved enough locally to allow campfires and other approved burns inside Zion National Park.
Park officials announced Tuesday they would scale back fire restrictions that had been in place for months, saying they were encouraged by recent rains and this week's forecast for more storms and cooler weather.
"This doesn’t change that you still need to use fire sense," cautioned Lyndsay Fonger, the park's fire management officer. "Make sure fire pits are cold to the touch before leaving and avoid parking or smoking near dry plants."
More: Fire inside Zion National Park campground prompts warning about human-caused fires
The new rules allow for campfires to return to the park's popular Watchman, South and Lava Point campgrounds.
Strict rules were still in place for those hoping to use the fire rings, though, with park officials saying fire must be confirmed out and cold before being left.
Human-caused fires have been a significant problem in recent years, often caused by a failure to put out campfires, vehicles dragging trailer chains and tire blowouts. Visitors are also asked to not park over dry gas with a hot vehicle.
"A wet winter and spring weather contributed to the growth of grasses and other plants throughout Zion National Park. When these plants are dry, they can increase fire danger, especially at the campgrounds in Zion Canyon," according to a release from the park.
Earlier this summer, a fire that started inside the Watchman campground burned about a quarter-acre and forced nine campsites to close.
Fireworks are always prohibited inside the park.
This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Zion National Park lifts fire restrictions at Watchman, other campgrounds
