Campfire ban lifted at all Nebraska state parks, WMAs

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has lifted its temporary ban on campfires at central and western state park and wildlife management areas. Campfires already were permitted at locations in eastern Nebraska.

Some Nebraska parks and counties may have local, individual burn bans in place. Known local bans are affecting Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, Red Willow Reservoir and Swanson Reservoir state recreation areas. Guests should call the park they are visiting prior to arrival to confirm local ban status. Find contact information for each park at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Despite recent rains, drought conditions persist across much of the state, and guests should exercise caution when having a campfire. They should:

• keeping fires small;
• keep them contained in provided fire rings;
• never leave any open flame unattended;
• have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of spread; and
• ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Visitors also should follow these fire safety practices:

• Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
• Avoid activities that could create sparks.
• Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
• Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
• Make sure no chains or metal parts or objects are hanging or dragging from your vehicle or towed trailer.
• In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it.

For more information about the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Editor’s note: The second paragraph has been updated to reflect known local bans affecting Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, Red Willow Reservoir and Swanson Reservoir state recreation areas.