This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The dry and hot summer has led to concerns about increasing fire danger in southeastern Utah, where superintendent Kate Cannon announced fire restrictions for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Under the rules, fires will be permitted only in designated fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Open fires are prohibited in backcountry campsites at all times. Petroleum fueled stoves and grills will still be permitted in designated backcountry campsites as well as developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
Smoking will be prohibited, except within closed vehicles, parking lots or developed areas that are cleared of all flammable materials for at least three feet in diameter. Smokers are asked to properly and carefully extinguish all lighted smoking materials.
On river corridors where there are no designated campsites, petroleum fueled stoves are the recommended method for cooking. At this time. car coal fires will be continue to be allowed in the river corridors if completely contained within a metal fire pan.
As is always the case, fireworks are prohibited.
For details and information on statewide fire restrictions at other recreation areas. log on to http://www.utahfireinfo.gov.