Chadron –   Due to changes in weather and conditions the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands has eased fire restrictions from Stage II down to Stage I on Forest System lands.  The changes will lessen some restrictions but will keep others in place.

Moving to Stage I Fire Restrictions on National Forest System Lands means that visitors may now have campfires in developed campgrounds or improved sites, but campfires are still not allowed outside of developed sites.  Smoking is only allowed in a vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of flammable vegetation.

“The shorter days and cooler temperatures have lessened the fire danger but there is still the potential for a wildfire.  Even with the reduced fire restrictions, we are still asking for people to be careful with fire,” said Tristan Fluharty, Fire Management Officer for the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands.
The Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands cover five districts, two in Nebraska and three in South Dakota.  The Nebraska Districts include Pine Ridge Ranger District near Chadron and the Bessey Ranger District near Halsey.  The South Dakota Districts include Fall River District near Hot Springs, Wall Ranger District near Wall and Fort Pierre Ranger District near Ft. Pierre.  For more information visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska.