Due to extreme fire danger, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has implemented the following preventative measures:
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Closure of Walnut Canyon Desert Drive
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Charcoal fires are prohibited
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Smoking is prohibited, except inside personal vehicles
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Open flames and cooking stoves are prohibited in the backcountry
The extreme fire danger is due to high temperatures and low humidity that have resulted in very dry vegetation.
This is one of the driest years at the park since 2001 and the dry conditions continue. These factors result in extremely dry vegetation that is highly susceptible to even the smallest spark.
These measures will be in effect until the fire danger subsides.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
