Parkway Implements Ban on Open Fires

Date: October 19, 2007
Contact: John Garrison, [phone] ext 240

(Asheville)—Because of the continuing high fire danger, Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis today extended a temporary ban on open fires that had been in place since late August.  

The ban includes all fires, campfires, charcoal and all solid fuels stoves and grills. According to the Public Notice careful use of self-contained gas or liquid fuel stoves is still permitted, as are cigarettes and other legal smoking products.

Superintendent Francis noted that wildland fires conditions in both North Carolina and Virginia are ranging from high to extreme and are not likely to significantly change in the near future and the closure is taken to protect the public, private and public lands and their resources.

The text of the notice is as follows:

In response to the high fire danger conditions that exist within and along the Blue Ridge Parkway the Superintendent has closed all areas under the jurisdiction of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the lighting or maintaining of fires. This closure applies to all fires using solid fuels, wood, wood products, charcoal and coal including solid fuel stoves and grills. The use of camp stoves, grills and lanterns that burn liquid fuels or pressurized gas are permitted in established and open camping and picnic areas. 

 This closure has been taken in consultation with other federal and state agencies responsible for fire prevention and control in North Carolina and Virginia and is taken under the authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations section 2.13 (c).

The closure on fires within the lands administered by the National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway is effective immediately and will remain in place until removed by the Superintendent of the Parkway. 

[NOTE: Due to rain that has temporarily eased dry conditions, some restrictions have been lifted. Check at campgrounds for specific details.]