Campfire Safety

News Release Date:
June 14, 2021

Contact:Tim Cruze, 806-857-6680

Fritch, Texas - Having a campfire is one of the most enjoyable experiences of camping. Smelling the woodsmoke and telling stories around the campfire brightens any evening at the lake. In order to have a safe and enjoyable time while camping at Lake Meredith, please follow the listed rules and guidelines below:

Before Starting Your Fire, Follow These Steps

Know the local rules

· Each Park has their own rules on where and when you can have a campfire. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, the Superintendent determines any fire bans in effect, not the county.

Know the fire conditions

· Has it been windy and dry lately? Extreme weather conditions might mean campfires are banned, or that other special rules or restrictions are in effect.

Lighting or maintaining a fire, except in designated areas or receptacles and under conditions that may be established by the Superintendent.

Developed Areas

· Fires are prohibited except in designated fire grills, potable stoves or grills, or other containers that keep the fire out of contact with the ground.

Primitive Areas

· Fires in designated fire grills, fire rings, portable stoves, personal grills, or containers that keep the fire out of contact with the ground.

Backcountry Areas

· The use of portable stoves only is permitted. All types of open fires are

prohibited.

The following conditions apply to authorized fires:

· In developed and primitive areas, use existing metal fire rings. The building of a new fire ring is prohibited.

· Wood or charcoal must be contained in fire pans at least 2 inches off the ground or in NPS provided metal fire rings.

· It is against park policy to pick up stones or rocks and make a fire ring on the ground.

· The burning of garbage, refuse, and discarded materials regardless of the physical makeup of these items is prohibited.

· Determination Restrictions are necessary to limit the proliferation of fire rings which can cause visitor injuries, impact the landscape, and damage government equipment.

Did you know gathering rocks and building your own fire ring on the ground is illegal?

Not only is the practice dangerous, taking rocks from the landscape destroys natural resources and beauty at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Please help us save the environment by not burning plastic bottles, cans, garbage, or discarded materials regardless of the physical makeup of these items.

Never leave your campfire unattended and always and always keep water nearby in case of emergencies. An unexpected situation may arise, and the fire may have to be extinguished immediately. The weather could change quickly at Lake Meredith and high winds could threaten your safety and push the fire out of the fire ring. Please be aware of weather conditions always while camping at the lake.

Make sure your campfire is completely out with no burning material remaining.

· Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet.

· Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again

· If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix plenty of soil or sand with the embers. Continue stirring and adding water or soil until all materials are cool to the touch.

· Do not bury your coals, they can smolder underground and possibly re-ignite.

Keep Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Beautiful!

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