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. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2012, activities on public lands generated $4.6 billion in revenue, much of which was shared with the States where the activities occurred. In addition, public lands contributed more than $112 billion to the U.S. economy and helped support more than 500,000 jobs.
South Dakota Field Office 310 Roundup Street Belle Fourche, South Dakota 57717