WASHINGTON, July 9 — Death Valley National Park has asked tourists not to test out the reputation of the world’s hottest spot by frying eggs on the ground, citing a growing litter problem at the popular US landmark.

“An employee’s posting of frying an egg in a pan in Death Valley was intended to demonstrate how hot it can get here, with the recommendation that if you do this, use a pan or tin foil and properly dispose of the contents,” the park said on its Facebook page last week.

“However, the Death Valley NP maintenance crew has been busy cleaning up eggs cracked directly on the sidewalk, including egg cartons and shells strewn across the parking lot.

“This is your national park, please put trash in the garbage or recycle bins provided and don’t crack eggs on the sidewalks,” it said.

Death Valley, located in California and Nevada, will soon celebrate the 100th anniversary of its posting the world heat record — 134° Fahrenheit — on July 10, 1913.

The US Southwest has been in the grip of a massive heat wave in recent weeks, with temperatures at the park in the high 120s. — AFP-Relaxnews