National Park Service News

California Wildfires Make Run Toward Giant Sequoia Groves

THREE RIVERS, Calif. (AP) — Two lightning-sparked wildfires in California merged and made a run to the edge of a grove of ancient sequoias, momentarily driving away firefighters as they try to protect the world’s largest tree by wrapping its …

Lawmakers Urged to Use Tunnels as Election Debate Adds D.C. Risk

U.S. lawmakers are receiving urgent security instructions in advance of potential violence in Washington tied to Wednesday’s joint session of Congress to count Electoral College votes, according to a person familiar with the matter. The precautions distributed Monday to members …

Forklift Damages Fort McHenry Walkway Ahead of Pence Speech

A forklift has damaged a brick walkway at the iconic national monument Fort McHenry, where Republicans were building a stage for Vice President Mike Pence’s appearance for the party’s national convention, a National Park Service spokeswoman said Monday. A national …

Wildfire Expert Warns Against July 3 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Show

A July 3 fireworks display planned at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial would be “ill advised” because of the abnormally dry conditions and risk of summer wildfires, a fire expert said. The event could attract as many as 7,500 people, …

Workers Rush to Rebuild Glacier Chalet During Short Construction Season

WEST GLACIER, Mont. — Workers for the general contractor toil eight days straight, in 10-hour shifts, before hiking the 6-plus miles out for six days off. They’re replaced during that time by another crew from Dick Anderson Construction. That rotation …

Nevada’s Lake Mead Ranked Deadliest U.S. Park

Visitors to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area enjoy ample sunshine and miles of open water but also have a 1-in-307,000 chance of dying, according to a popular outdoor publication that ranks it as America’s deadliest national park, an outdoor …

Mowing Suspended at National Parks Following North Carolina Death

Cutting the grass at national parks has been suspended because of safety concerns following the death of a maintenance worker near Asheville, N.C. The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that a National Park Service order to halt mowing at 397 parks nationwide …

5 Killed in Tour Helicopter Crash Near Las Vegas

A helicopter crash has killed a pilot and four passengers on a tour of the Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam. National Park Service spokesman Andrew Munoz said Wednesday that the aircraft operated by Sundance Helicopters crashed into the River …