A temporary ban on campfires at all Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas remains in effect until further notice after activation this past Friday.
Nebraska Game and Parks indicated in a press release that camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished. They also do not produce blowing embers, which further reduces wildfire potential.
Visitors to Nebraska Game and Parks areas should be mindful of changing conditions and stay tuned to local emergency managers and fire departments for regional fire ban updates.
Locally, the KCNI/KBBN studios in Broken Bow only received .09″ of precipitation in September and have not received any precipitation in the month of October so far. With dry conditions in mind, Game and Parks is urging the following precautions to avoid the risk of wildfire:
- Restrict driving to established roads and trails
- Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation
- Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately
- Ensure your vehicle, trailers, and other equipment are well-maintained
- Make sure no chains are dragging from your vehicle
- In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it
- Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle
Park contact information can be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov
