Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands Forest Supervisor Jack Isaacs has signed a Stage 2 Fire & Smoking Restrictions Special Order for the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands in Nebraska & South Dakota, effective Friday Oct. 11, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
This includes National Forest System lands on the Wall, Fall River, Ft. Pierre, Bessey and Pine Ridge Ranger Districts of the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands, to include the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Oglala and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.
Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires. Recent dry, windy, and hot weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the ignition of any fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, unless the device is solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned on and off.
Fall hunting seasons are underway, and hunters are reminded that all restrictions apply to all visitors. Even seemingly insignificant, small warming fires can be the cause of wildfires.
Special Order 118 Prohibitions include:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, unless the device is solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned on and off (this includes in developed Forest Service campgrounds and picnic areas).
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest Service roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle.
Exemptions Include:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required.
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
Forest staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter and cooler weather pattern develops.