Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to use extreme caution across the state due to dry conditions and wildfire risk. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters and other recreationists to not enter active fire zones or any closed areas.

See a map of closed areas at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Sites managed and controlled by Game and Parks within these areas are closed until they are evaluated to ensure they are safe to open.

Game and Parks also recommends people do not impede first responders extinguishing fires, recovering areas or assisting. Recreational viewing of burned areas is strongly discouraged.

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

• Adhere to the temporary ban on campfires at all Nebraska state park areas and WMAs, which remains in effect until further notice.
• 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.

Driving vehicles or parking on dry, tall grass is a primary threat. Grass can ignite within seconds of contacting a hot surface, such as a vehicle’s exhaust/catalytic converter systems. Campers and hunters should carry a shovel, bucket, and a fire extinguisher in their vehicle or camper to put out unintended flames.

As a reminder, anyone must have permission to access private land – trespassing on private land without the landowner’s permission is illegal. Boundaries may not currently be visible, as signage and fences may have been destroyed by fire.

If you hunt on private lands in an area located in or near fire zones, recontact landowners to confirm permission to hunt.

See a list of closed Game and Parks properties at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Search “Closures and Safety Advisories.”