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| Image: Joseph Cesare |
The Independent
With the approach of the holiday weekend, Dixie National Forest officials are expecting large numbers of visitors to the Forest’s most popular campgrounds and picnic areas. Currently, abandoned and escaped campfires remain the primary cause of unwanted wildland fires in the national forests. These wildland fires burn thousands of acres yearly and in some cases have caused the loss of lives and homes. Wildfires have occurred in the recent past at all elevations on the Dixie National Forest. In preparation for the holiday weekend, the Dixie National Forest would like to remind forest visitors to please practice campfire safety by making sure your fire is “DEAD OUT!” Additionally, no fireworks may be set off on national forest land.
“We continue to remind the public that all fireworks are prohibited on the forest at all times — and this includes the use of exploding targets,” emphasized Forest Supervisor, Angelita Bulletts.
There are several things visitors can do to be safe with campfires. If metal grills or fire rings are available, they should be utilized. Otherwise, the area where the fire will be built should be cleared of all flammable material and have no flammable material overhanging it. Firewood should be cut to fit within the fire ring. Before leaving a fire for any reason, it should be thoroughly wet and stirred until it is cold to the touch. Avoid building campfires on windy days. Smokers should dispose of cigarette butts in ashtrays and not discard them on the ground.
Dispersed picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas in Dixie National Forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. Visitors must provide their own water and pack out their garbage using the “pack it in, pack it out” principle. Off-road/off-trail vehicle travel is prohibited.
While the main Dixie National Forest offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observation of the holiday, the visitor centers at the following ranger districts will be open:
– Pine Valley Ranger District – (435) 652-3100.
– Cedar City Ranger District – (435) 865-3200.
– Powell Ranger District – (435) 676-9300.
– Escalante Ranger District – (435) 826-5499.
– Forest Supervisors Office- (435) 865-3200.
