Friday, Jul 21, 2006
Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, the National Park Service is banning all campfires and beach fires in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, along with other potential sources of human-caused forest fires, effective immediately. In addition to banning all campfires in the park, the NPS is also banning the use of charcoal grills, all forms of grilling on docks and on boats secured at docks (illegal at other times of the year as well), all forms of fireworks, and the burning or disposal of any form of combustible material, including smoking, on all park lands. For the time being, gas or propane grills and camp stoves will continue to be allowed.
“We want to emphasize that the high fire danger that is affecting the mainland is affecting the islands as well,” said Apostle Islands National Lakeshore superintendent Bob Krumenaker. “These actions are consistent with those being taken by other state and federal agencies in the area at this time.”
Earlier in the summer, a fire, ignited by sparklers, occurred on Stockton Island. This fire exhibited unusual behavior, and it now seems that it was an early indication of rising fire danger on the islands. Park staff will continue to monitor local fire danger, and will work closely with neighboring agencies to maintain as much consistency with their actions as possible. Additional actions may be necessary if fire danger continues to increase.
“We ask for everyone’s understanding and cooperation in these hot, dry times,” Krumenaker said. “We will remove these restrictions as soon as conditions in the park allow it.”
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