Management Urges Campfire Caution at Land Between The Lakes

Golden Pond, KY – Visitors to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area are advised to use extra caution with open campfires.

Due to extreme drought conditions, high temperatures, and low relative humidity, an increased risk for wildfires exists, especially in backcountry camping areas where dry grass, woody debris, and leaves surround campers.Campfires are only allowed in existing fire rings at this time. You must monitor your campfire at all times, and completely extinguish by drowning with water, stirring the coals, and assuring it is cold to the touch before leaving the area. Although there are currently burn bans in some Kentucky counties, LBL (Lyon and Trigg counties in Kentucky and Stewart County in Tennessee) is not yet included in those bans.

Always use caution when disposing of cigarettes and matches. Hot embers from unattended campfires or cigarettes are easily picked up by winds and blown into dry areas, causing wildfires. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on national grassland and national forest lands year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.

Immediately report any unattended campfires or wildfires to Forest Service Personnel, or other law enforcement agencies by calling 911 or LBL’s 24-hr Dispatch at 877.861.2457.

For more campfire safety information, visit http://www.smokeybear.com/campfire-safety.asp or http://outdoors-magazine.com/campfire-safety-1.htm.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy. Follow Land Between The Lakes on www.Twitter.com/LBLScreechOwl.

Additional LBL information can be found on the website or by calling 800.LBL.7077 or 270.924.2000.