Fire danger in the National Park System is high from California to Montana and all the way south to Texas, where a ban on open fires has been implemented for the immediate future at Big Thicket National Preserve due to hot, dry conditions.
"All open fires are prohibited in backcountry campsites. Petroleum-fueled stoves and grills will continue to be permitted in backcountry campsites, as well as in day use areas," park officials said. "Charcoal fires can be used in day use areas if completely contained within a metal fire pan only. During this time, smoking is prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles, parking lots or developed areas.
"Visitors are reminded to exercise caution and to properly extinguish all lighted smoking materials. Do not discard cigarettes butts or other tobacco products on the ground. All grills, stoves and contained charcoal fires must be observed until completely extinguished."