The Department of Natural Resources wants to remind campers that DeWitt County State Parks are under an open fire ban.

Conservation Officer Ray Wichus says Weldon Springs and Clinton Lake are both on the fire ban. He warns just because the ground looks green in certain areas, doesn't mean it isn't dry.  Grass near evergreens tends to be greener longer than grass in open areas.

The ban is meant for the safety of the public, since both camp grounds only have one entrance. Wichus says the ban helps make sure the fires don't spread and cause campers to stampede out of the parks.

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Those who are caught making fires will get a warning from the park staff first. If they are caught again, a Conservation Officer is called and the perpertator will receive a ticket for 120 dollars or a court date. Wichus says the ticket is along the same lines as a speeding ticket.

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Wichus adds the campfires would spread quickly, and if a wind picks it up, it has the possibility to spread  outside the parks. His biggest concern though is public safety. The fire's would cause a large amount of smoke, making it hard for some patrons to breathe, and the possibility of a stampede would create many chances for injuries.

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Most of DeWitt County is currently under a fire ban. The cities of Clinton, Waynesville and Farmer City have all made fire bans within the last few weeks.