A 71-year-old man has pleaded guilty to setting a fire in Grand Canyon National Park.
The Cottonwood Creek Fire burned 64 acres on the Tonto Trail near Horseshoe Mesa in fall 2019.
Investigators say Thomas Grabarek, of Flagstaff, accidentally started the fire when he tried to dispose of his toilet paper.
High winds pushed the blaze uphill. The park fined him more than $53,000, which will help restore the burn area over the next four years.
“As part of that, he has agreed to do a public service announcement video, highlighting the dangers of lighting toilet paper in the backcountry,” said Joelle Baird, a spokeswoman with the Park Service.
He will also help the park make signs that will be posted in the backcountry.
The Park Service reminds visitors that fires are not allowed below the rim of the Grand Canyon.
