Due to prolonged extreme fire danger, Big Bend National park is implementing a ban on smoking in the Chisos Basin Campground. The park already prohibits smoking on all Chisos Mountains trails, including popular day hikes such as the Lost Mine and Window Trails. Smoking will only be allowed at designated smoking areas (areas with outside cigarette/ash receptacles.
Additionally, all types of fires are now also prohibited along the Rio Grande corridor within the park. A ban on charcoal fires was implemented in the park last month.
These measures will remain in effect until fire danger abates significantly.
Since January, precipitation has been well below normal, and the park is continuing to experience dry conditions with no foreseeable change. These factors result in extremely dry vegetation that is highly susceptible to even the smallest spark. A fire would spread rapidly, be difficult to suppress, and pose extreme risks to park visitors and staff.
Visitors can help Big Bend prevent fires by using pull-outs along roadways rather than parking on vegetation, using extreme caution while handling any type of flame (camp stoves, lighters, etc.), and properly disposing of cigarette butts where smoking is allowed.
Smoking will only be allowed at designated smoking areas (buildings with ash tray) for these two areas.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
