Game and Parks’ temporary campfire ban remains in place

With the extension of the governor’s statewide burn ban, guests at Nebraska Game and Parks’ properties are reminded that a temporary ban on campfires remains at all Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas.

Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday extended the statewide burn ban that was set to expire on March 27. The new burn ban now continues through April 10.

Pillen signed an executive order that continues the timeframe by which fire chiefs or their designated members are prohibited from issuing permits for open burning anywhere in the state to March 28 through April 10.

Game and Parks also has been temporarily halting prescribed burns.

At state park areas and WMAs, 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. These types of stoves also do not produce blowing embers, further reducing wildfire potential.

Prohibited sources of open fires include:

• All campfires
• Transportable wood-fueled firepits with grills or mesh metal covers
• Wood-burning stoves
• Charcoal grills
• Fire pans

Permitted sources are devices solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned off; these may include:

• Propane or butane camp stoves
• Canister camp stoves
• Propane grills
• Propane fireboxes and firepits
• Other burners fueled by liquid gas, such as gasoline or kerosene

Those wishing to use their Dutch ovens to cook should do so over propane or electric heat sources.

Those using permitted camp stoves, grills or firepits should never leave them unattended and always use them on a level area clear of flammable materials.

Out of the abundance of caution, campers and hunters should carry a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher in their vehicle or camper to put out unintended flames.

State park area and WMA guests also are encouraged to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of wildfire:

• 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 on properties affected by wildfires, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Closures and Safety Advisories.”