The National Park has lifted its seasonal fire restrictions, effective immediately, to allow campfires in the park’s nine campgrounds using the provided designated fire pits at each campsite.
Joshua Tree Park Superintendent Jane Rodgers says that “Fire safety is a big priority in the park,” and she says the park urges the public to use caution if having a campfire on any public land.
Easing of fire restrictions means that campfires, barbecues, and gas stoves are allowed in designated campgrounds.
A relatively mild fire season this year in the hi desert doesn’t mean the state suffered losses – the York fire in the Mojave National Preserve scorched over 93,000 acres of native desert plants and Joshua Tree forests.
While restrictions are lifted – its still the desert and dry – with invasive grasses carrying sparks further and faster than native flora.
When staying in campgrounds or anywhere in the desert, always have a shovel on hand, and keep fire supervised at all times. When the wind picks up, shut your fire down – there are no campfires during fire weather watches and red flag warnings.
Fireworks are illegal everywhere in the Morongo Valley and campfires aren’t allowed anywhere outside the 500 designated drive-up campsites in the National Park.
Always check conditions before camping – the easiest way to do that is by downloading the National Park Services’ app. Along with alerts and conditions, the app has official verified trails, maps, and park information for every national park.
