In light of the current drought conditions and elevated fire risk, a critical announcement has been made by Jackson County Parks officials. Effective from 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 20th, a comprehensive prohibition on campfires and briquettes will be enforced throughout all Jackson County Parks.
The primary objective of this strict measure is to preemptively mitigate the potential outbreak of destructive wildfires, safeguarding the well-being of park visitors and the surrounding environment. It is imperative to note that a campfire ban is already in effect for the following parks:
- Howard Prairie Satellite Campgrounds
- KLUM LANDING CAMPGROUND
- GRIZZLY CAMPGROUND
- LILY GLEN CAMPGROUND
- WILLOW POINT CAMPGROUND
- CANTRALL BUCKLEY CAMPGROUND
- Emigrant Lake OAK SLOPE CAMPGROUND and THE POINT RV PARK
This comprehensive restriction extends to all forms of campfires, encompassing charcoal fires, cooking fires, warming fires, candles, tiki torches, and any devices that emit flames or embers. Importantly, even designated campfire areas will be inaccessible during this period. However, visitors are permitted to use portable cooking stoves fueled by liquefied or bottled fuels, as well as propane/liquid-fueled lanterns.
As visitors enjoy the outdoors, it is imperative that fire prevention practices are upheld to avert potential incidents. Below are recommendations to help prevent fires and maintain a secure environment:
- Opt for camp stoves for cooking purposes.
- Adhere to designated roads, given that vehicle heat can spark grass fires.
- Refrain from smoking; if smoking is necessary, ensure thorough extinguishing and proper disposal of cigarette butts.
- Abstain from employing any items involving open flames or those that could produce sparks.
- Regularly inspect trailer chains to prevent them from dragging along the road, which can trigger sparks and ignition.
The collaborative effort to mitigate fire hazards is a shared responsibility. By adhering to the stipulated restrictions and guidelines, visitors play a crucial role in protecting the parks and surrounding landscapes during this critical juncture. The campfire ban will remain in place until conditions improve and the fire danger subsides.
Source: Jackson County
