The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is maintaining its temporary open fire ban across its locations due to ongoing drought conditions and heightened wildfire risks according to an article by KRVN 880 Rural Radio. Based on the Drought Monitor, significant portions of Nebraska are experiencing drought conditions, necessitating the continuation of the fire ban.
In a recent update to its policy, the Commission has allowed liquid gas stoves at Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas. This decision was made because these stoves do not produce blowing embers and reduce the risk of hot ashes or briquettes being left behind.
The ban prohibits open fire sources including campfires, transportable wood-fueled fire pits with grills or mesh metal covers, wood-burning stoves, charcoal grills, and fire pans. However, devices solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned off are now permitted. These include propane or butane camp stoves, canister camp stoves, propane grills, propane fireboxes and fire pits, and other burners fueled by liquid gas.
For Dutch oven cooking, the Commission suggests using propane or electric heat sources. It’s important to always attend fires and have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. When campfires are permitted, they should be kept small, contained in provided fire rings, and properly extinguished with water until all coals have cooled completely.
Given the changing nature of fire conditions, visitors are advised to stay informed about local fire ban updates. The Commission recommends contacting state parks directly for the most current information. Contact details for all parks can be found on the OutdoorNebraska.gov website.
To minimize wildfire risks, the Commission has issued additional safety guidelines. These include carrying a shovel, bucket, and fire extinguisher in vehicles or campers, avoiding activities that could create sparks, limiting driving to established roads and trails, not parking vehicles in tall vegetation, ensuring no chains or metal parts are hanging from vehicles or towed trailers, and checking vehicle exhaust systems for debris that could ignite dry vegetation.
These measures are essential for maintaining safety in Nebraska’s outdoor recreation areas during drought conditions.