Stage 1 Fire Restrictions now apply to Ashley National Forest in order to reduce the potential for human-caused fires. The following acts are prohibited: No open fires of any kind except within established facilities in improved campgrounds or day-use areas on public lands OR in permanently constructed fire pits at permanent private dwellings served by pressurized running water; No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation; No cutting, welding, or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation; No operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor; No discharging or using fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnics devices including exploding targets. The fire restriction will remain in effect until rescinded. Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Most of the State is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions so be sure to look up restrictions before recreating outdoors depending on where you will be.
