Campfires in the Grasslands

Campfires are allowed in developed campgrounds and in dispersed camping areas on the
grasslands when conditions are safe. Check the Alerts bar at the top of each webpage for any listed restrictions. It’s important to follow all fire safety rules to help prevent wildfires. Before starting a campfire, review the guidelines below to reduce wildfire risk, keep visitors and communities safe, and protect local wildlife and ecosystems.

Tips for Using Fire

• Alerts: Refer to the Alerts and Fire Danger Status bar at the top of each webpage to check current fire danger status, fire restrictions, and other important updates.
• Weather: Avoid starting fires on windy or very dry days, as blowing sparks can easily ignite wildfires.
• Location: Select a flat, level area with natural wind barriers. Keep it at least 15 feet away from trees, bushes, tents, and buildings. Avoid spots near dry grass or overhead branches, and clear away any flammable material within 6 to 10 feet of the fire.

• Image

  

  Fire Rings: Use existing rings when possible. If you must build one, choose bare soil or gravel. Form a tight rock circle 2–4 feet wide and line the inside with sand or gravel (Figure 1).

• Firewood: Never cut or damage live trees or branches. Collect only dead and down wood found nearby. Firewood use and possession restrictions apply. Do not move firewood. Buy firewood from local vendors within 50 miles of where it was cut to help prevent the spread of invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Learn more about EAB on the Exotic and Invasive Species page. 
• Camp Stoves: When fire restrictions are in effect, small, portable devices that can be turned off may be used outdoors to cook or heat food and water. These stoves burn fuels such as propane, butane, white gas, alcohol, or wood. Camp stoves offer a controlled flame, reduce the need for gathering firewood, allow safe cooking in any weather, and help protect natural areas by preventing the creation of new fire rings or fire scars.

Image

• Tools: Keep a bucket, shovel, and axe close by to help control or put out your fire (Figure 2). Also, keep plenty of water, dirt, or sand ready, as these are effective for extinguishing flames.
• Leave No Fire Behind: Never leave your campfire unattended. Not even for a moment.
• Drown, Stir, Drown, Feel: Ensure your campfire is fully extinguished and safe to leave by following three simple steps: Drown, Stir, Feel. First, drown the embers with plenty of water. Then stir the ashes to make sure everything is thoroughly soaked. Drown again until all material is cool. Finally, carefully feel for any remaining heat (Figure 3). 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Violations

For everyone’s safety, fire regulations in the grasslands are set by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Failure to follow the rules listed below may lead to wildfires, injuries, land damage, or fines.

• 36 CFR 261.16(b)- Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire outside of a designated Forest Service fire ring, stove, grill, or fireplace is prohibited in developed recreation sites.
• 36 CFR § 261.5 - Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited material [cigarettes, matches, or flaming objects], or anything that could start a fire.
• 36 CFR § 261.5(d)- Leaving a fire unattended without fully extinguishing it.
• 36 CFR § 261.5(e)- Causing and failing to control a non‑prescribed fire that damages National Forest System lands.
• 36 CFR § 261.52(a)- Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without clearing enough flammable material around it to prevent the fire from escaping. 

For additional information, contact the local Ranger District Office.