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Sep 5, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Wildfires, smoke dashed summer camping plans

Yacob Reyes
A sign is seen near Taylor Creek along Highway 89 as residents remain evacuated due to the Caldor Fire
A closed sign near Taylor Creek along Highway 89 on Sept. 4 as residents remain evacuated due to the Caldor Fire. Photo: Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images

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.
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