With fire season upon us, Joshua Tree National Park Ranger Pat Pilcher lays out some of the ground rules for dealing with fire in the park…
Fire has always played a major role in Joshua Tree National Park. Lightning strikes as well as human caused fires are both helpful and harmful to certain desert landscapes. Small, relatively cool ground fires may clear brush and kill certain non-native plants, which in turn, allow many desirable plant species to germinate. However, larger and hotter fires can kill many plants and animals, and, endanger human lives. Fire is a part of nature and we need to appreciate its potential for benefit and destruction. In Joshua Tree, campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds, where grills or fire pits are provided; no ground fires are allowed. Be sure campfires are out and cold before leaving the site. Since many campgrounds do not have water available, be prepared with enough water to extinguish any fires you plan to start. For more information on fire go to www.fire.ca.gov. For Z107.7, this is park ranger Pat Pilcher inviting you to experience the American landscape.
FIRE AWARENESS IN THE NATIONAL PARK
