Fire restrictions in place at the Monument

Superintendent Ken Mabery says Scotts Bluff National Monument has instituted a smoking and open fire ban due to the hot and dry conditions across the region. Beginning immediately smoking will only be allowed inside personal vehicles. No smoking will be allowed on the monument's trails.

Open fires using small charcoal grills will also not be allowed in the picnic area. Backpacking propane stoves will still be allowed. The national monument has received less than five inches of moisture this calendar year. Vegetation is extremely dry, and the possibility of a fast moving wildfire is quite possible.

Similar fire restrictions are in place, or soon will be in place, in other National Park Service units across the region.