Some Nebraska state park and wildlife management areas are temporarily banning campfires as drought and wind conditions have triggered extreme fire danger.
Because of regularly changing conditions, guests should call state park areas prior to arrival to determine whether a fire ban is in effect. Parks will make determinations by working with local emergency managers and fire departments.
Open fires already are banned in wildlife management areas outside of fireplaces, grills or fire rings provided by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. However, signs will be posted if an area also is closed to camp or cook fires, which includes gas, propane or charcoal grills or similar devices.
State park areas will allow camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished. These types of stoves also do not produce blowing embers, further reducing wildfire potential.
Those recreating in areas where campfires are allowed should use extreme caution and take precautions, including keeping fires small, contained in provided fire rings, always attending fires, and having a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of spread. Campfires should be properly extinguished with water until all coals have cooled completely.
For more information, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.