Forest Service imposes fire restrictions

The U.S. Forest Service has followed the lead of local counties, cities and state agencies in calling for fire restrictions within the Black Hills National Forest.

Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Jeff Tomac has signed a special order BKFfor Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on both the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts. The restrictions became effective at the end of last week.

In a press release, the U.S. Forest Service stated that restrictions are not taken lightly, but are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns and the danger of human-caused wildfires...