More than 24,000 camping reservations out of 3.2 million have been canceled across the United States this year because of wildfires, AP reports.
The big picture: The recent uptick of national park and forest closures, due in large part to a wave of intense wildfires, coincide with a post-pandemic boom in the number of people engaging in outdoor activities.
- All national forests in California are closed in an effort to curb blazes, including the Caldor Fire.
- Several national forests in Arizona closed in June as a result of wildfires in the region, according to AP.
What they're saying: “It’s very, very quiet around here, which is eerie,” Clare Shirley, owner of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, said, per AP.
- "We’re definitely missing out on a big chunk of our peak season," she added.