10-18-2004, 08:54 PM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. – Despite recent rains throughout the state, hunters are being reminded that there is still a danger of grassland wildfires, and precautions will be necessary.[/size]
[size 2]"Under the very best of conditions, wildfires can remain a threat to agriculture and to wildlife habitat," said Emmett Keyser, assistant director of wildlife for Game, Fish and Parks. "We want all hunters to know that they will be expected to exercise caution with regard to fire danger on both private and public lands."[/size]
[size 2]Keyser pointed out that the recent rains have encouraged growth of grasses and undercover in many parts of the state. As these plants freeze and dry, they will be combustible.[/size]
[size 2]"In past years, hunters have actually been the first to report a number of fires to emergency response personnel," Keyser said. "Given that most of the hunters have cellular phones, it has actually been beneficial in many cases to have hunters out roaming the countryside."[/size]
[size 2]As a guideline, Keyser suggested that hunters should never stop or park their vehicle over tall grass or brush. Other safety precautions include:[/size] [ul] [li][size 2]Respect private property owners by following their directions for vehicle use on their land.[/size] [li][size 2]Drive only on established roads and trails.[/size] [li][size 2]Take care to ensure that catalytic converters and mufflers are in good repair.[/size] [li][size 2]Restrict smoking to vehicles and extinguish cigarettes in the vehicle’s ashtray.[/size] [li][size 2]Carry a bucket, shovel and water in the vehicle and be prepared to use them in case of a fire.[/size] [li][size 2]Restrict all camping activities to designated camping areas.[/size] [/li][/ul]
[size 2]Keyser said that awareness is the key to fire safety. "Always be aware of the potential of grassland fires and how your actions can cause or prevent a fire," he said. "All of our state’s citizens, and especially our landowner friends, will benefit from your good judgement."[/size]
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[size 2]"Under the very best of conditions, wildfires can remain a threat to agriculture and to wildlife habitat," said Emmett Keyser, assistant director of wildlife for Game, Fish and Parks. "We want all hunters to know that they will be expected to exercise caution with regard to fire danger on both private and public lands."[/size]
[size 2]Keyser pointed out that the recent rains have encouraged growth of grasses and undercover in many parts of the state. As these plants freeze and dry, they will be combustible.[/size]
[size 2]"In past years, hunters have actually been the first to report a number of fires to emergency response personnel," Keyser said. "Given that most of the hunters have cellular phones, it has actually been beneficial in many cases to have hunters out roaming the countryside."[/size]
[size 2]As a guideline, Keyser suggested that hunters should never stop or park their vehicle over tall grass or brush. Other safety precautions include:[/size] [ul] [li][size 2]Respect private property owners by following their directions for vehicle use on their land.[/size] [li][size 2]Drive only on established roads and trails.[/size] [li][size 2]Take care to ensure that catalytic converters and mufflers are in good repair.[/size] [li][size 2]Restrict smoking to vehicles and extinguish cigarettes in the vehicle’s ashtray.[/size] [li][size 2]Carry a bucket, shovel and water in the vehicle and be prepared to use them in case of a fire.[/size] [li][size 2]Restrict all camping activities to designated camping areas.[/size] [/li][/ul]
[size 2]Keyser said that awareness is the key to fire safety. "Always be aware of the potential of grassland fires and how your actions can cause or prevent a fire," he said. "All of our state’s citizens, and especially our landowner friends, will benefit from your good judgement."[/size]
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