Fire restrictions to be lifted at National Parks in Arizona

With monsoon storms significantly lowering the fire danger risk, fire restrictions are being lifted at the entire Grand Canyon National Park.

Park officials say the stage 2 restrictions are scheduled to be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday.

Grand Canyon remains in stage 1 restrictions year-round, which require that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within maintained campground.

Grand Canyon National Park entered Stage 2 fire restrictions on June 11.

Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim.

River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Visitors and residents will be allowed to use charcoal grills and have campfires once the restrictions are lifted.

For Virginia Keller, she said she couldn't do much hiking this summer because of the closures and fire restrictions.

"Not only were there fire restrictions, but they completely closed down the forest, so you can't even access most of those areas," said Keller. "We prefer to go hiking this time of the year."

Virginia says she plans to escape the heat, and hike at Fossil Creek with her friends this weekend.

"I'm so excited for tomorrow!" Keller said.

Meanwhile, officials with the Kaibab National Forest say restrictions across the North Kaibab Ranger District will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 16.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.