TUPELO, MS-The Natchez Trace Parkway is banning campfires in Mississippi, effective immediately, due to the statewide burn ban implemented by Governor Tate Reeves. This ban includes the developed campgrounds at Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby and at designated bicycle campgrounds in Mississippi. This ban will be rescinded after the statewide ban is lifted.
Charcoal grills and cook stoves are still permitted, but should only be used in designated areas that are free from burnable fuels such as dry grass, leaf litter, and pine needles. Grills and cook stoves should be attended at all times and must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the site. Visitors should only smoke in areas that are free from burnable fuels, and must ensure that the cigarette is completely extinguished and disposed of properly. Fireworks are always strictly prohibited along the Parkway and other federal lands.
Please visit the Natchez Trace Parkway website to get the latest status on park fire restrictions: www.nps.gov/natr. To report a wildfire along the Parkway, please call the Emergency Communications Center at 1-800-300-Park (7275), or dial 911.
For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit https://www.nps.gov/natr/
NOTICE OF FIRE RESTRICTION
April 10, 2020
Natchez Trace Parkway Announces Fire Restrictions in Mississippi
The Natchez Trace Parkway has enacted immediate fire restrictions on Parkway lands in Mississippi, between milepost 0 and milepost 309. These fire restrictions are being implemented due to the statewide burn ban issued by Governor Tate Reeves on April 9, 2020.
Pursuant to the authority contained in Title 16 United States Code Section 3 and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5 (a) (1), the following restrictions are in place:
- Building or using any open fire, campfire, or fire in a fire ring is prohibited.
- Use of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices, including fire crackers, sparklers, fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device that may result in the ignition of burnable material, is prohibited.
- The use of charcoal grills is permitted, but the coals and embers generated by a charcoal grill should be completely extinguished with water before removing or dumping. Any fire should not be left unattended and should be located safely away from other burnable materials.
- Cooking stoves that use pressurized gas or liquid fuel are permitted.
- Visitors should only smoke in areas that are free from burnable vegetation, and ensure that cigarettes are completely extinguished and disposed of properly.
National Park Service law enforcement may issue citations to anyone violating the terms of this restriction, under the authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f). To decrease the potential for fire along the Parkway this season, we ask for everyone’s cooperation during this high fire danger period.
Superintendent Laura Perdices
Media Release/NATR Superintendent, NPS
