South Dakota Field Office
| Contacts: | Mark Jacobsen | |||
| (406) 233-2831 | ||||
| Mark_Jacobsen@blm.gov |
BLM Downgrades to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. --- Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect on South Dakota BLM-administered lands effective at 12:01 a.m. MDT Thursday, Oct. 11 in Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Haakon, Custer and Fall River counties.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are less restrictive than Stage 2 restrictions. Under Stage 1, fires are prohibited except within developed recreation sites and smoking is allowed only in areas cleared of flammable materials. Exemptions include fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or gas or other activities for which there is a permit or written authorization.
An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity. Even in areas not under Stage 1 restrictions, a permit is required for any open burning other than campfires.
Be mindful that additional county or U.S. Forest Service restrictions may be in effect in other areas.
Please take extra caution when working and recreating outdoors to prevent wildland fire starts. Anyone who causes a wildland fire intentionally or through negligence will be held accountable for damage and suppression costs.
Remember:
- The smallest spark has the potential to cause significant damage, so always crush smokes dead out.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Ensure that your vehicle has a properly installed spark arrester that is operational.
- Stop and park only in areas clear of vegetation and observe all fire restrictions.
- Take precautions and always be prepared. Carry a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher.
- Cross country travel is not allowed on BLM-administered lands; stay on established roads or trails.
For more fire information contact the BLM South Dakota Field Office at 605.892.7000 or your local fire department or sheriff’s office.
For the latest BLM updates, find us on the web at: www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/fo/south_dakota_field.html and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/BLMMontana.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
South Dakota Field Office 310 Roundup Street Belle Fourche, South Dakota 57717