Guests at three state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on the Fourth of July, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those visitors should use caution when lighting fireworks.

The following SRAs, with designated lighting sites, will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on July 4 only:

  • Branched Oak State Recreation Area – Lieber’s Point
  • Pawnee SRA – Area 1 beach and the Area 4 Lakeview Campground
  • Wagon Train SRA – beach

Signs at recreation areas will point the way to designated fireworks sites and their boundaries will be clearly marked. Use of fireworks elsewhere in state areas or at other times is prohibited.

Only fireworks approved for sale in Nebraska by the state fire marshal are permitted, and visitors must pick up expended fireworks and deposit them in appropriate containers. Have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby and soak used fireworks in water before discarding them. Minor children must be supervised when discharging fireworks. Use, possession and the discharging of fireworks is at the sole risk of the users.

For those still looking for RV camping at state parks over the holiday weekend, availability remains at the following:

  • Danish Alps SRA – A few standard RV sites remain, and equestrian RV sites still are available.
  • Indian Cave State Park – This location currently has the most availability.
  • Merritt Reservoir SRA
  • Niobrara SP
  • Red Willow SRA
  • Lake McConaughy SRA – Beach camping spots

A park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering SRAs.

 

Keep fire safety in mind on Fourth of July

Nebraska Game and Parks reminds campers and other outdoor recreationists to be safe with fire this coming Fourth of July holiday weekend.

While no campfire bans are in place at Nebraska State Parks or on state wildlife management areas, campers and recreationists should be aware that local entities may have burn restrictions in place.

Despite recent rains, guests should exercise caution when having a campfire. They should:

  • keep fires small;
  • keep them contained in provided fire rings;
  • never leave any open flame unattended;
  • have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of spread; and
  • ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Visitors also should follow these fire safety practices:

  • Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
  • Avoid activities that could create sparks.
  • Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
  • Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
  • Make sure no chains or metal parts or objects are hanging or dragging from your vehicle or towed trailer.
  • In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it.

Fireworks are allowed to be touched off on July 4 only at designated areas of Branched Oak, Wagon Train and Pawnee state recreation areas.

For more information about Game and Parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.