SOLEDAD — All fires in Pinnacles National Park are prohibited for the remainder of the summer fire season.
At the “Very High” fire level, these restrictions include prohibitions on all open flames, fire pits and grills, regardless of fuel type. Gas, charcoal, propane and wood burning grills and fire pits are all not allowed anywhere in the park while the fire restrictions — which began July 1 — remain in place.
Smoking on trails and hanging electric lights from trees and other park vegetation is also not permitted.
“Propane fire pits have not been permitted in the Pinnacles National Park campground since 2022, but there has been some confusion in the past due to other recreation areas making exceptions for fire pits using gas-based fuel sources,” according to West Lead Ranger Chris Symons. “Due to there still being an open flame, there is still a danger posed by propane fire pits, and they are thus included in the prohibitions for fire restrictions.”
Small camp stoves with protected burners are permitted exclusively in campsite and picnic areas, and they are only authorized for immediate cooking purposes only. A protected burner device is critical for keeping the risk of an accidental fire in the campground at a minimum, and should still always be closely attended while in use for cooking.
Fireworks are never permitted in Pinnacles National Park.
“Especially this time of year, when fire danger is peaking, fireworks can cause massive devastation and death and are strictly prohibited,” Symons said. “The park asks the public, for the safety of the resources and people, to please respect this rule.”
Pinnacles has also been in the midst of a multi-week heatwave, with daily temperature highs exceeding 100 degrees. On such days, especially with strong winds, the risk of fire is extremely hazardous due to the potential for rapid spread.
“We all share the responsibility of recreating safely, especially so during wildfire season in areas like Pinnacles that burn easily,” Symons said. “Help do your part by following the restrictions, and notify a Ranger if you see someone else engaging in risky behavior outside the fire restrictions.”
For more information, visit nps.gov/pinn.
