Fire Restrictions May Plague Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Dry conditions have rangers on high alert about open flames.
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If you’re thinking of heading to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks this Memorial Day weekend, light your campfires carefully.
Due to a lack of snow this winter and California’s ongoing drought, National Parks Service officials are warning of increased fire danger, according to ABC News. Sequoia and Kings Canyon have only received 50% of their regular precipitation levels this season.
With 30,000 visitors expected over the holiday weekend, rangers are reminding visitors to keep a close eye on their fires. If dry conditions worsen, all open flames will be banned from the park. Rangers plan to monitor soil moisture levels closely and be prepared in case fire prevention tactics need to be implemented.
Backpackers, campers and hikers should be vigilant about extinguishing their fires completely. The NPS will be updating its website with alerts throughout the weekend.