The National Weather Service in Cheyenne released a report on Monday morning warning of an increased fire danger this week.
Warm and dry air will dominate the region today and Wednesday. Relative humidity is expected to drop into the single digits, and wind could gust in the 30 to 40 mph range.
The US Drought Monitor has Northwest Nebraska, Southwest South Dakota, and portions of Eastern Wyoming in the abnormally dry or moderately dry areas of their latest drought forecast map released last Thursday.
Pine Ridge District Ranger Tim Buskirk of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands says that over the past two weeks firefighting crews have been extremely busy.
Precipitation from the early spring months followed by unseasonably warmer and drier conditions have fueled the fires that have burned around the area, but Buskirk says grasses are just green enough to keep them from growing larger.
For those that are planning on visiting area parks and recreation areas, Buskirk offers a little advice.
To stay up to date on the latest restrictions visit the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands website by clicking here.