Dry conditions have been persisting across South Dakota, particularly western South Dakota, and this has prompted both South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and the US Forest Service to issue reminders on how to prevent wildfire.
Fall means hunting, fishing, and camping are all going strong and however individuals enjoy recreating across the state, they need to do their part to prevent wildfire. There are several precautions GFP has shared that individuals can take both prior to heading out to and when in the field this season, which include:
- Think about where you will park your vehicle(s) prior to heading out for hunting, fishing, or camping;
- Never park a vehicle directly over dead or dry vegetation;
- Park respectfully, by considering the potential for grass fires where there may not be gravel parking, including areas of exposed dirt, short vegetation, or other substrate like rock;
- Bring a shovel, fire extinguisher, and/or a large jug of water to help put out any small fires quickly;
- Fire dangers exist when parking on sides of roads as well, which can also be hazardous for others getting down the same roadways;
- Extinguish cigarettes with water or dirt, or use an ashtray inside your vehicle;
- Walk rather than drive and limit all vehicle travel to designated roads and trails; and
- Know your location from a nearest town in case you need to report a fire.
Anglers and campers can also do their part, by ensuring:
- Trailer chains are not dragging across the roadway when traveling;
- Campfires are properly extinguished unless attended, and be aware of local burn bans;
- Generators have spark arresters;
- Portable heaters are properly utilized, and turned off when not directly in use; and,
- Tow vehicles and trailers are parked where they are not directly touching dry vegetation.
Additionally, the Black Hills National Forest has entered Stage II Fire Restrictions according to the US Forest Service.
Most importantly for hunters, this means vehicles may not leave designated roadways and they will not be able to drive off trails where they previously may have to retrieve game. Harvested game must be brought out by hand or horse.
Most importantly for campers, this means no open flames are allowed. Only propane and gas grills are allowed, and spark arresters must be on generators. Campfires are prohibited.
The complete list of prohibitions according to the Forest Service include:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, unless the device is solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned on and off (this includes in developed Forest Service campgrounds and picnic areas);
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building;
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order;
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame;
- Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition;
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest Service roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle; and,
- Violating South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) § 34-35-15 concerning burning, fires or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires.
We all love the fall, and we all need to do our part to ensure we’re taking care of the resource we love. Recreate with respect this fall, stay safe, and do your part to prevent wildfires this season.
