Fire restrictions in national forest

Notice of increased fire restrictions in the Black Hills National Forest have created some confusion across the Black Hills. The more stringent restrictions pertain only to the Black Hills National Forest at this time. 

The restrictions apply to campgrounds such as Sheridan Lake, Pactola, Deerfield, Black Fox and Ditch Creek that are within the Black Hills National Forest. Private campgrounds are still allowed to have campfires as long as they have a valid fire permit issued from the state of South Dakota, according to Hill City Volunteer Fire Department chief Jeremy Dalman. 

“Pennington County is not in a burn ban,” Dalman clarified. 

The Hill City Fire Department has seen increased calls for campfires, many of which are legal.

“The issue we are running into is people not knowing the ordinances, not knowing the rules and having misinformation,” Dalman said. “Then our volunteer firefighters have to respond to nuisance calls.” 

He added, “We’re going to run our volunteers ragged.”

Dalman encouraged people to go to the South Dakota State Wildland Division website under campfires and permitting to understand the regulations.

Although Pennington County is not currently in a burn ban, Dalman emphasized that people should be extra cautious when recreating. 

“With everything going on in the Pacific Northwest, national resources are stretched thin,” Dalman said. “We aren’t seeing the abundance of resources that we’ve been able to get in the past.”

The Stage Two Fire Restrictions for the Black Hills National Forest took effect July 27.

Driven by high heat, extended drought and critical fire weather, stricter rules are being enforced to prevent human caused fires amid current and expected elevated fire risk.

“Stage two fire restrictions prohibit activities with a high potential of starting wildfires, including all campfires, smoking outdoors, and parking on grass. The purpose of these restrictions is to protect public health, safety and natural resources by preventing wildfires,” said fire prevention officer Jeni Lawyer of the Forest Service.

Under stage two fire restrictions, no campfires, charcoal barbecues or wood fires are allowed anywhere in the forest, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites.

“These devices should only be used in areas barren of flammable materials, such as on dirt, concrete or picnic tables,” said Lawyer.

Tools and equipment such as welding, operating acetylene or open-flame torches are prohibited. 

Smoking is strictly banned outdoors.

Off-road travel such as driving or parking motor vehicles off of established National Forest System roads is banned, with a narrow exception for parking in a barren, vegetation free area within 10 feet of the road. Travel on designated forest roads and trails are allowed.

Using explosives, including fireworks, flames, exploding targets and other incendiary devices is always prohibited. 

“Fireworks are never allowed on national forests,” Lawyer said.

The restrictions apply to all Black Hills National Forest lands with the state of South Dakota and Wyoming including all developed recreation sites, campgrounds and day use areas. Restrictions will remain in place through Dec. 27 unless rescinded sooner.

Violation of these federal restrictions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor and can bring an individual fine up to $5,000 or organizational fines up to $10,000, and potential imprisonment for up to six months.