Illinois park visitors cautioned
about fire risk      

[JUNE 30, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinoisans are invited to visit Illinois state parks during the long holiday weekend but are encouraged to put fire safety first. Fire risk is high in Illinois state parks, where more than a dozen fires have occurred statewide this year. Dry conditions have factored into the accidental fires.

During the months of March, April, May and June, the third-lowest amount of rainfall was recorded since 1895. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has activated the Illinois Drought Response Task Force as a result of the conditions.

"Within the next week, without significant rainfall, we may be forced to completely ban campfires in some parks," said Tony Mayville, director of land management for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

To assure utmost safety, Mayville offers the following suggestions:

• Check each site for specific restrictions.
• Use only designated fire rings or camp stoves.
• Attend to fires at all times.
• Dowse all embers completely, including charcoal.
• Fireworks are illegal in Illinois state parks, unless ignited under special permit.
• Make sure smoking materials are disposed of properly.

"While a campfire may be a tradition of visiting a park, it is very much possible to have a good time without one," said Mayville. "Illinois state parks are one of the most economical forms of entertainment around -- it's free to visit. We are confident park visitors will take extra steps to protect parks as drought conditions persist."

Each Illinois state park includes signs reflecting the degree of fire risk, most located at the park entrance or administrative office.

[Illinois Department of Natural Resources news release]