July 2, 2025 - As the Fourth of July approaches, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are reminding visitors that fireworks are strictly prohibited on all national forest lands, and for good reason. With hot, dry conditions and increased holiday traffic, the risk of human-caused wildfires is always higher.
“Fireworks are never allowed on national forests,” said forest supervisor Kimpton Cooper. “Even a single spark can lead to a devastating wildfire, putting lives, property, and natural resources at risk.”
Across the country, humans cause nearly 90% of all wildfires, including about half of those that occur on national forests. This Fourth of July, the Forest Service encourages everyone to recreate responsibly and help protect public lands by following these wildfire prevention tips:
Leave fireworks at home
Fireworks and pyrotechnics of any kind are never permitted on forest service lands.
Keep vehicle safety in mind
Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes or sparks can start a fire.
When pulling a trailer, be sure safety chains and other metal parts aren’t hanging from your vehicle – loose chains can drag and cause sparks.
Drown your campfire
Where campfires are allowed, choose a site with an existing ring. Fire pits in established campgrounds are the best spots. If you choose to build a campfire, avoid building it near your tent, structures, vehicles, shrubs or trees and be aware of low-hanging branches overhead. Clear the site down to bare soil, at least five feet on all sides, and circle it with rocks. Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
Never leave a fire unattended and make sure your fire is ‘dead out’ and cold to the touch before leaving your campsite. Use the drown, stir, feel method when extinguishing your campfire. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Never build a campfire in an unauthorized area or in an area that is under fire restrictions. Find information on fire restrictions at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/texas
Consider alternatives to a campfire such as portable gas stoves that use bottled, liquid fuels or a propane fire ring.
Smoke Responsibly
Follow all posted restrictions. Never discard cigarette butts on the ground or in vegetation. Fully extinguish cigarette butts before throwing them away.
Know before you go
Check online or with the nearest ranger district office about any fire restrictions or closures that might be in place before leaving home. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/texas or call your local ranger district for the most up-to-date information.
Visit One Less Spark for more great tips on how to prevent wildfire and be prepared for fire season. To learn more about campfire safety visit www.smokeybear.com.
Thank you for doing your part to protect Texas public lands and keep this holiday safe for everyone.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
