Guadalupe Mountains National Park bans ALL fires and fire sources in the park

Salt Flat, TX—As a precautionary measure, in light of recent and current fires surrounding Guadalupe Mountains National Park, current and projected fire weather conditions, the National Park Service announced today, that it will temporarily restrict all ignition sources within the park.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the fire weather forecast calls for critical fire weather conditions persisting across eastern and southern New Mexico, western Texas and Oklahoma as strong winds of 25 to 45 mph and relative humidity below 15 percent affect the region.

Said Acting Superintendent Fred Armstrong, “because of extreme fire danger, continuous days of red flag conditions, reduced availability of fire fighting resources, and rapid rates of fire spread, we have come to the decision that this step is necessary to protect park resources and structures and to ensure the safety of park visitors and staff. Armstrong emphasized “Guadalupe Mountains National Park remains open even though recent fires and restrictions have closed portions of the adjacent national forest, and we hope that visitors will continue to come, recreate and enjoy the park.

However, at this time, the risk of human-caused fires is too high and we are concerned not only about the risk to park natural and cultural resources, but also to visitors, staff and volunteers. Under these conditions, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to evacuate anyone from remote areas of the park should a fire start. We are continuing to monitor conditions and will re-evaluate this closure should conditions change and significantly decrease fire danger.”

Until further notice, no use of camp stoves, lanterns or any other ignition sources will be allowed in the front-country or backcountry, no smoking will be allowed on trails or in the backcountry and smoking will only be allowed within personal vehicles or on asphalt or hard-packed parking areas at least 30 feet away from any combustible vegetation at Pine Springs, Dog Canyon, Frijole Ranch, Pinery and McKittrick Canyon parking areas. Open flames, campfires or barbecues are never allowed within the park. Violators are subject to fines. “We know this may cause a temporary hardship to campers who arrive with foods that need to be cooked because there are no alternate places to obtain food or supplies in the park, but this inconvenience is worth the precaution,” said Armstrong.

Motorists traveling through the park along US Highway 62/180 may tune in to the park’s Traveler Information System radio broadcast at 1560 AM for up-to-date park information. Park information, including park conditions or restrictions, may also be found on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/gumo/ or by contacting the Pine Springs Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251 x2124. The Pine Springs Visitor Center is open daily (except for Christmas) from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.