Mammoth Cave National Park restricting open fires in campgrounds, picnic areas

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – Due to an elevated risk for fires, Mammoth Cave National Park has announced a burn restriction on all open fires effective immediately.

Park officials say this restriction applies to campfires or charcoal grills in the park’s three country campgrounds, all back-country campsites and park picnic areas. This corresponds with an executive order by Edmonson County banning all open burning within the county.

Gas camp stoves are allowed but should be watched closely during use.

The park says the restriction will be in place until the fire danger is less severe and weather conditions improve.

Officials say the restriction is also dependent on extended weather conditions, which they will look at daily.

Visitors who violate the fire ban in the park may face a citation under the authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f).

Visitors are reminded to extinguish all cigarettes, cigars and pipes and dispose of them properly.