Hunters Should Use Caution to Prevent Grass Fires

LINCOLN – With turkey season in progress, hunters in the field should be aware of continued drought conditions that have resulted in many grass fires across the state.

Care should be taken to avoid situations that could result in sparks or flames, which could lead to a wildfire. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has the following tips:

— Cigarettes, matches or any smoking material should never be thrown from vehicles onto road shoulders or into grassland. Make sure these materials are extinguished.

— Never leave campfires unattended. When extinguishing, douse with water and stir to make sure the campfires are completely out.

— If the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for your area, refrain from building campfires or creating any open flames.

— Be careful with lanterns, stoves and heaters. Do not tip over or drop on combustible materials. Let them cool down before refueling. Don’t spill fuel when refueling.   — Don’t drive vehicles off roads and trails into grassland when conditions are dry. Catalytic converters could ignite combustible materials.

— Always observe burn bans.