Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006
April 5, 2006 For Immediate Release Donald Stanley
Open Fire Burn Ban
Catoctin Mountain Park will be declaring an open air burn ban, effective 12:00 P.M, April 5, for all areas of the park. All campfires and charcoal grilling fires are banned, but the use of propane stoves will be permitted. The park is experiencing high fire danger due to extremely dry conditions with high winds and low humidity. In addition, we are expecting below normal precipitation for the next 8 to 14 day period. This action mirrors the statewide open air burning ban announced on March 31, in all Maryland counties except Garrett County. The Maryland Forest Service has responded to triple the 20-year average for fires in the month.
The ban will be in effect until National Park officials determine there has been enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires. The Park staff will continue to monitor the fire weather situation daily and will provide updates to the public when conditions change. Primary concern is for the safety of park visitors and the protection of natural and cultural resources of the park.
Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 390 units administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The park Visitor Center, located on State Route 77 three miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Correspondence should be addressed to: Superintendent, Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Our website address is www.nps.gov/cato. General information can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388.
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