Sioux Ranger District, Custer Gallatin NF, fire restrictions rescinded

The Sioux Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest, located in the far southeastern corner of Montana and northwestern South Dakota is rescinding early season fire restrictions. The local area received significant moisture over the weekend to provide for green-up of fine fuels, including grasses and shrubs.

"The area around Camp Crook, Ekalaka and far southeastern Montana and northwestern South Dakota has been significantly drier than normal with little moisture over the winter months, said Kurt Hansen, Sioux District Ranger. "With the total rain and moisture received over the past several days we'll see some green-up of the grasses and shrubs in the area for a bit and are able to rescind those fire restrictions at this time."

It is important to note that the Sioux Ranger District is drier over the long-term than normal; and warmer, drier weather over the summer season may cause the return of fire restrictions at a later date.

With the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend and an unofficial start to the typical summer camping season, please practice proper campfire safety such as:

• building fires in established fire rings,

• keeping fires small and close to the ground.

• readily keeping water, a shovel and/or extinguishing tool close at hand and

• always put your fire dead out, cool to the touch even if leaving for a short period of time.

Campfires can quickly rekindle with wind and burnable fuel. It is always important to douse your campfire with cool water, stir the embers and coals and feel with the back of your hand to ensure the heat is extinguished prior to leaving the area at any point.