Fire Safety
During drought conditions in Nebraska, practicing fire safety is more important than ever. Extended periods of dry weather make natural areas extremely vulnerable to wildfires, which can spread rapidly and cause devastating damage to wildlife habitats, park infrastructure, and nearby communities. By following fire safety guidelines, park visitors play a crucial role in ensuring that these spaces remain safe and accessible.
State park area fire bans
Parks administrators, along with state and county officials, make determinations regarding the issuance of burn and campfire bans by working with local emergency managers and fire departments. Throughout the camping season, visitors should be mindful of changing conditions. Call park areas prior to arrival to determine whether a fire ban is in effect.
Prohibited fire sources:
- All campfires
- Transportable wood-fueled firepits with grills or mesh metal covers
- Wood-burning stoves
- Charcoal grills
- Fire pans
Permitted fire sources:
- 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.
Additional safety precautions
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.
- 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.
