Fire officials with the USDA Forest Service have announced that “Phase 1” fire restrictions are now in place for the entirety of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — due to rising fire dangers from the current drought conditions.
This means increased patrols will monitor compliance and enforce prohibitions, which include the building, maintaining or attending use of fires, campfires and stove fires in the region.
During this “Phase 1” fire restriction, campfires are only allowed in the metal campfire rings provided at “developed” USDA Forest Service campgrounds.
The use of any portable stoves, gas lanterns, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuels or full-enclosed stoves with quarter-inch spark arrester screens is also permitted. Smoking, except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, must only be at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least 3 feet of barren, cleared ground.
Campfires at dispersed camping areas are not allowed during these restrictions, which will remain in effect until further notice.