Fire Closes Remote Hot Springs Campground at Death Valley National Park
A remote hot springs campground at Death Valley National Park is closed after a fire burned through part of the area. The fire started at Saline Valley Warm Springs around 7 p.m. on Sept. 15.
Campers and volunteer hosts were evacuated from the area, and thankfully, no one was injured. The fire stayed within the Lower Spring area, but it damaged several parts of the campground.
Saline Valley Warm Springs is in a very remote part of Death Valley, about 40 miles from the nearest paved road. The park’s current conditions page still lists the primitive campground as closed.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. According to the National Park Service, dead palm fronds on approximately 80 nonnative palm trees provided most of the fuel for the fire.
The Fire Damaged the Hot Springs Area
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Most of the nonnative palm trees around Lower Spring burned, although the park says some will likely survive. The fire also destroyed infrastructure at the National Park Service volunteer host site.
The fire melted piping leading to and from the Lower Spring pools. However, an initial assessment found the soaking tubs themselves appear undamaged.
A Shed Could Contain Hazardous Materials
The fire also destroyed a shed at the volunteer camp host site. The National Park Service says the shed could contain hazardous materials, which is one reason visitors are being told to stay away.
Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said staff must assess and address the hazards before the campground can safely reopen. The Palm Springs section of the campground was not burned.
The Campground Is Already Hard to Reach
Even when it is open, getting to Saline Valley Warm Springs takes some planning. The National Park Service says the campground is around 35 miles from the nearest paved road and requires a high-clearance vehicle with all-terrain tires.
Road and weather conditions can also make four-wheel drive necessary. For now, visitors will have to wait until the park determines the area is safe enough to reopen.
