The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands has issued a forest‑wide fire ban due to ongoing drought conditions and an elevated risk of wildfire. The ban applies to the Nebraska National Forest’s Pine Ridge and Bessey Ranger Districts and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests, as well as the Buffalo Gap and Oglala National Grasslands.
The fire ban will be in effect from March 27 through April 27, or until conditions improve and the order is rescinded. Under the order, all open flames — including campfires, charcoal grills and other heat‑producing activities — are prohibited within the affected units. Fire managers say the restrictions are necessary as dry vegetation, low humidity and persistent drought have significantly increased the likelihood of rapid fire spread.
Forest officials are asking visitors to remain vigilant, follow posted restrictions and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately. The agency will lift the ban once conditions allow.
The Fort Pierre National Grassland is not included in this fire restriction, as it already has one in place under order number NNFG-0207-10 (see information below).
Open Fire Prohibition – Fort Pierre National Grassland
Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.S0(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands administered
by the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Pierre Ranger District in South Dakota, and on all roads and trails located within the Restricted Area.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area. Stove fires are excluded from this Order. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
A Campfire means a fire, not within any building, mobile home or living accommodation mounted on a motor vehicle, which is used for cooking, personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial, or aesthetic purpose.
A Stove fire is defined as a fire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, a portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid gas stove, including a space-heating device.
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any person with a Forest Service or State issued permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
This order will be in effect from the date it is signed, and continue through December 31, 2025, or until rescinded.
Done at Chadron, NE this 19th day of July 2019,
Jack L. Isaacs
Forest Supervisor
Violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual, or $10,000.00 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. 16 US.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571 (b)(6).
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