PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces today that in response to the dangerous risk of wildfires in Rhode Island, it is banning outdoor fires at all State campgrounds, parks, and management areas.

This ban, effective starting Saturday, August 20, includes all campfires at designated campground and picnic areas. Campers at State campgrounds and management areas, as well as State park patrons, will be permitted to use portable gas cooking stoves and grills, liquefied or bottled fuels, and propane/liquid-fueled lanterns in designated areas.

These prevention measures are in place to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires that can seriously threaten life and property. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted.

Rhode Island is in an extreme drought and is witnessing increased wildfires with joint fire response from communities. On Saturday, August 20, DEM's Forest Fire Program will increase fire restrictions to Planning Level Stage IV (PL4). This designation follows the National Fire Danger Rating System, which assesses the potential wildfire risk by considering burning conditions, wildfire activity, and the availability of firefighting resources.