The National Park Service has found another creative way to get an important message across—and this time it looks like it could have been directed by Wes Anderson.
Bryce Canyon National Park released a delightfully symmetrical, pastel-colored fire safety PSA that perfectly captures the unmistakable aesthetic of Anderson’s films while reminding visitors of something far more important than perfectly centered framing: don’t start a wildfire.
The one-minute video features meticulously composed shots, deadpan narration, vintage-inspired costumes, and a color palette straight out of Moonrise Kingdom or The Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek tribute to the filmmaker’s visual style, but the message is anything but whimsical.
Style Meets Substance
The PSA reminds visitors that a careless campfire or discarded cigarette can have devastating consequences, particularly across the dry landscapes surrounding Bryce Canyon National Park.
Rather than relying on a traditional public service announcement, park staff leaned into humor and cinematic storytelling—a strategy that’s become something of a trademark for the National Park Service’s social media and video teams. Their recent wildlife safety campaigns have also earned widespread praise for mixing comedy with practical outdoor education.
Campfire Safety Still Matters
Whether you’re camping in Bryce Canyon or your local national forest, a few simple precautions go a long way:
- Build fires only in designated fire rings or grills.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Keep water and a shovel nearby.
- Drown, stir, and feel the ashes before leaving—they should be cold to the touch.
- Always check for local fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
Wildfires sparked by human activity remain one of the biggest threats to public lands, especially during the hot, dry months of summer.
Watch the Video
Bryce Canyon’s Wes Anderson-inspired PSA proves that public safety doesn’t have to be boring. It’s beautifully shot, genuinely funny, and delivers a message every park visitor should remember before striking a match.
You can watch the full video above or on the National Park Service website:
https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=B3E0778C-BEE2-4359-9C5F-1DF82F4A4E2B