News Release

LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND ALIBATES FLINT QUARRIES NATIONAL MONUMENT ISSUE FIRE RESTRICTION ORDER

Date: June 26, 2020
Contact: Eric Smith, 806-857-3151

Fritch, Texas – Due to wildfire risk Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument lands will be under a fire restriction order beginning 12:01 am Friday June 26, 2020. All three counties that the parks lie within have implemented burn bans and recent rains have not improved conditions enough to prevent fire restrictions. Solid fuel (wood, brush, charcoal, etc.) fires of any type, including camp fires, warming fires, cooking fires etc. are prohibited within Lake Meredith NRA and Alibates Flint Quarries NM while this fire restriction order is in place. Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas (LPG) are allowed to be used. The following is a copy of the fire restriction order text:

Pursuant to regulations of the Department of Interior, Title 16 United States Code, Sections 3 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations, subsections 1.5 Closure and public use limits (a) (2), 2.13 Fires (c), 2.21 Smoking (a), and 2.38 Explosives (b), the following acts are prohibited on the area, roads, and trails described below until rescinded by the Superintendent of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

•Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using fires of any kind, including wood and charcoal campfires within developed campgrounds or picnic areas, or permanently improved places of habitation. Stoves fueled by petroleum or Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)fuels are allowed.

•Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material down to mineral soil.

•Possessing or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, is prohibited at all times on all federal public lands. 

The following persons are exempt from the order:

•Those persons with a permit authorizing the otherwise prohibited act, or in those areas authorized by written posted notice in the area of operation. Permits may be obtained from Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Headquarters.

•Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Area Description:

•All lands within the boundaries of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

Violation of the above, prohibited acts is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both [36CFR 1.3 Penalties (a)]. Information concerning these fire restrictions may be obtained at: 806 857-3151. For additional information, please call the National Park Service Office located in Fritch, TX at 806-857-3151.