The Mark Twain Nation Forest office in Rolla announced today that the forest service is restricting open fires due to heightened fire danger, drought conditions and continued hot, dry weather forecast for the next few weeks.

Mark Twain National Forest Acting Forest Supervisor Teresa Chase said no open fires are permitted except within campfire rings or pedestal grills located in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds and picnic areas. 

No other open fires are permitted while these restrictions are in place.

Visitors may still use propane or gas cook stoves but are asked to use caution and to not leave stoves unattended.

These restrictions are temporary and will be in effect until the Forest receives significant rainfall.

In addition to restrictions on open burning, visitors are not allowed to possess or discharge fireworks or other pyro-technic devices on Mark Twain National Forest lands.

These restrictions are intended to protect the safety of Forest visitors and area residents by preventing unintentional wildfires started from campfires not fully extinguished or fireworks landing in dry vegetation. 

For updated info about Mark Twain National Forest  or contact your local Mark Twain National Forest office.

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.