RI DEM Warns of Increased Fire Danger - Agency Bans Outdoor Fires at All Facilities

RI DEM Warns of Increased Fire Danger - Agency Bans Outdoor Fires at All Facilities

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced Friday that in response to the dangerous risk of wildfires in Rhode Island, it is banning outdoor fires at all State campgrounds, parks, and management areas. This ban, effective starting Saturday, August 20, includes all campfires at designated campground and picnic areas.

Campers at State campgrounds and management areas, as well as State park patrons, will be permitted to use portable gas cooking stoves and grills, liquefied or bottled fuels, and propane/liquid-fueled lanterns in designated areas. These prevention measures are in place to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires that can seriously threaten life and property. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted.

Rhode Island is in an extreme drought and is witnessing increased wildfires with joint fire response from communities. On Saturday, August 20, DEM's Forest Fire Program will increase fire restrictions to Planning Level Stage IV (PL4). This designation follows the National Fire Danger Rating System, which assesses the potential wildfire risk by considering burning conditions, wildfire activity, and the availability of firefighting resources.

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Any outdoor fire is a potential source of wildfire. In 2022 alone, Rhode Island has experienced over 70 reported wildfires, with 42 acres of land burned. People should be cautious not to inadvertently spark a wildfire while cooking outdoors, kindling a campfire, or using fireworks. The following safety tips should be followed to minimize risk:

• Charcoals used for cooking must be cold before being discarded
• People who smoke should use ashtrays
• People should check with their local fire department to obtain a permit to burn. Fire departments have the authority to deny permits when conditions are too dangerous
• It is important that communities and individual homeowners understand the risks of wildfire and take appropriate steps to protect and maintain to mitigate the impacts of fire in its severity and rate of spread. By staying up to date on DFE's homeowner resources, conditions and exercising caution, we can all mitigate the risk of wildfires.