Crater Hill Fire blazes in Zion National Park; officials warn public to be aware of fire danger

The Crater Hill Fire in Zion National Park, May 31, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Zion National Park Service, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A wildfire burning in Zion National Park required the resources of multiple firefighting agencies Wednesday evening.

The Crater Hill Fire in Zion National Park, May 31, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Zion National Park Service, St. George News

“We believe lightning ignited the Crater Hill Fire on May 31,” Zion National Park spokesperson Jonathan Shafer confirmed via text with St. George News shortly before 8 p.m.

“National Park Service wildland firefighters from Zion are responding, along with the Bureau of Land Management, Color Country Interagency Fire Center and Hurricane Valley Fire District staff,” Shafer added.

Crater Hill is located in the southwestern section of the park.

“We manage wildfire to meet multiple objectives,” Shafer said in his text. “These can include improving wild landscapes, and those objectives always prioritize protecting life and property.”

Shafer said updated fire information is available on Zion’s social media pages and at the National Park Service’s website.

According to a government fire monitoring site, the Crater Hill Fire had burned approximately 136 acres as of 8:20 p.m. Wednesday evening.

A post on the Zion National Park Facebook Page said, “If you see smoke near Coalpits Wash in the southwest part of the park, no need to report, but there are simple things you can do to use good Fire Sense.”

No matter where you travel and especially at Zion:

  • Check to make sure there are no fire restrictions before you start a campfire, and never leave a fire until it is out cold.
  • Fires are only allowed in designated, metal fire rings in campgrounds. Fires are never allowed in park wilderness.
  • Check chains on trailers to make sure they don’t drag under your car.
  • Using fireworks is prohibited all the time on public lands.”

The post goes on to say that the National Park Service is taking action as needed along with the other agencies.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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