The U.S. Forest Service says tougher fire restrictions are planned for the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands because of extremely dry and hot conditions and the threat of wildfires.

The Forest Service says the entire area is moving into a stage
two fire restriction order. That includes no campfires, no explosives, no welding and no smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

The order covers the Nebraska and Samuel R. McKelvie National
Forests and the Buffalo Gap, Ft. Pierre and Oglala National
Grasslands, which have been under stage one restrictions since late
March.

The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands are located in
central and western Nebraska and western South Dakota. The area is
made up of two national forests, three national grasslands and a
tree nursery.