Southwest Utah parks tighten fire restrictions amid drought risk
Campfires are mostly off-limits now across Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges. Gas stoves still work, and some riverway charcoal cooking remains allowed.
The National Park Service tightened fire rules across Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument just as summer road trips picked up in southeast Utah. The restrictions took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, after prolonged drought and extremely dry vegetation left the region in hazardous fire conditions.
Fires and stoves
For campers, the biggest change is that open fires of any kind are broadly prohibited. Campfires and charcoal fires are still allowed only in agency-approved fire pits and grills at developed recreation sites, picnic areas or permanently improved places of habitation. Along riverways, charcoal in metal pans or grills remains allowed for cooking, and gas or liquid-fuel devices with shut-off valves can be used in all locations.
Smoking and sparks
Smoking is banned except inside enclosed vehicles or on paved areas without nearby vegetation. Fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are barred on all federal public lands, and internal or external combustion engines must have properly functioning spark arresters. Visitors must fully extinguish campfires, stay on established roads and trails, and keep trailer chains from dragging and throwing sparks.
June 11 state data from Utah's Division of Water Resources showed the state facing a deepening drought and more than 230 fires this season, most of them human-caused. Gov. Spencer J. Cox said June 25 that Utah had logged 354 wildfires burning 141,743 acres, with 94% of the state in severe or extreme drought.
The same park group tightened fire rules on June 28, 2025, raised them again on July 31, and lifted them Sept. 13 after notable rainfall and higher humidity. Canyonlands, split into Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and the rivers, has no roads joining those districts. Arches has more than 2,000 natural stone arches.
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