Preserve announces fire ban

Date: August 11, 2015
Contact: Jason Ginder, 409-951-6700

Effective today, August 10, 2015, all open fires are prohibited on lands managed by Big Thicket National Preserve. Due to elevated wildfire risk associated with the recent hot and dry weather, fire restrictions are in place on Big Thicket National Preserve lands until further notice. Public safety and protection of preserve resources are the highest priority for National Park Service management.

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. 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.

Report any smoke or flames you observe to 911, immediately. Violators of these restrictions are subject to fines and/or prison time.

Big Thicket National Preserve is located in southeast Texas, near the city Beaumont and 75 miles northeast of Houston. The preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 112,000 acres. The Big Thicket, often referred to as a “biological crossroads,” is a transition zone between four distinct vegetation types – the moist eastern hardwood forest, the southwestern desert, the southeastern swamp, and the central prairies. Species from all of these different vegetation types come together in the thicket, exhibiting a variety of vegetation and wildlife that has received national interest. 

For general information about Big Thicket National Preserve, visit www.nps.gov/bith or call the preserve visitor center at 409-951-6700.

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