09-25-2004, 02:18 AM
For More Information Contact: Kathy Bushnell (USDA Forest Service) 701-250-4443
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota, which includes both the McKenzie and Medora Ranger Districts. These restrictions will be effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2004.
US Forest Service fire officials are concerned with the potential for more large fires in western North Dakota due to the dry fuels and predicted weather conditions. "Based on recent fire activity, predicted weather patterns, and continued dry fuel conditions, wildfires can start very easily," US Forest Service Fire Management Officer Maure Sand said. "Once a fire starts, it can grow quickly and escape initial attack capabilities and additional resources will be required for suppression. It is in these conditions that human life and property are at risk."
Under these fire restrictions building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire (unless the stove is fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels) is prohibited. Also, smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all flammable materials.
Hunters and recreationalists are advised to contact their local US Forest Service office for current fire restrictions and conditions before visiting the national grasslands. "Almost all fires that start this time of year are human-caused and therefore may be preventable," Sand said. "People need to be aware of the conditions and pay attention to fire restrictions. If they don't, they may be liable for suppression costs and damages."
For additional information regarding current fire restrictions and fire activity, contact your local US Forest Service office. A copy of the special order for these fire restrictions can be found (next week) on our Web site at [url "http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie"]http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie[/url].
How to Reach the US Forest Service-Dakota Prairie Grasslands Offices: [ul] [li]Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor's Office, Bismarck 701-250-4443 [li]McKenzie Ranger District, Little Missouri National Grassland, Watford City 701-842-2393 [li]Medora Ranger District, Little Missouri National Grassland, Dickinson 701-225-5151 [li]Grand River Ranger District, Grand River/Cedar River National Grasslands, Lemmon, SD 605-374-3592 [li]Sheyenne Ranger District, Sheyenne National Grassland, Lisbon 701-683-4342 [/li][/ul]
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Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota, which includes both the McKenzie and Medora Ranger Districts. These restrictions will be effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2004.
US Forest Service fire officials are concerned with the potential for more large fires in western North Dakota due to the dry fuels and predicted weather conditions. "Based on recent fire activity, predicted weather patterns, and continued dry fuel conditions, wildfires can start very easily," US Forest Service Fire Management Officer Maure Sand said. "Once a fire starts, it can grow quickly and escape initial attack capabilities and additional resources will be required for suppression. It is in these conditions that human life and property are at risk."
Under these fire restrictions building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire (unless the stove is fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels) is prohibited. Also, smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all flammable materials.
Hunters and recreationalists are advised to contact their local US Forest Service office for current fire restrictions and conditions before visiting the national grasslands. "Almost all fires that start this time of year are human-caused and therefore may be preventable," Sand said. "People need to be aware of the conditions and pay attention to fire restrictions. If they don't, they may be liable for suppression costs and damages."
For additional information regarding current fire restrictions and fire activity, contact your local US Forest Service office. A copy of the special order for these fire restrictions can be found (next week) on our Web site at [url "http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie"]http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie[/url].
How to Reach the US Forest Service-Dakota Prairie Grasslands Offices: [ul] [li]Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor's Office, Bismarck 701-250-4443 [li]McKenzie Ranger District, Little Missouri National Grassland, Watford City 701-842-2393 [li]Medora Ranger District, Little Missouri National Grassland, Dickinson 701-225-5151 [li]Grand River Ranger District, Grand River/Cedar River National Grasslands, Lemmon, SD 605-374-3592 [li]Sheyenne Ranger District, Sheyenne National Grassland, Lisbon 701-683-4342 [/li][/ul]
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