FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Office of Legal Services The Office of Legal Services is staffed by six attorneys and one support staff. The Office advises and represents all offices of DEM including: Compliance and Inspection, Water Resources, Waste Management, Air Resources, Technical and Customer Assistance, Conservation Law Enforcement, Natural Resource Services, Recreational Services, and Human Resources. FUNCTIONS INCLUDE GENERAL LEGAL ADVICE: The Office provides general legal advice to the Director and all Offices within DEM in a variety of areas including environmental and administrative law. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: The Office represents DEM in hearings that are held at the Office of Administrative Adjudication on applications for permits and enforcement of environmental statutes. Issues also arise concerning the interpretation and application of environmental statutes and contested matters requiring legal advice. The staff also represents DEM at public hearings. LITIGATION: The Office enforces and defends environmental laws and decisions of the agency and appears in Federal and State Court to represent the Department (occasionally in conjunction with the Attorney General's office). REGULATIONS: The Office participates in drafting, revising, and reviewing all rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. MISCELLANEOUS: Attorneys provide legal services to all DEM offices. Attorneys review and draft regulations, legislation, notices of violations, and represent DEM offices in administrative hearings and in State Superior Court and Federal Courts. Such representation includes: writing memoranda and briefs; drafting orders and motions; attending settlement negotiations; and drafting and reviewing appropriate documents in furtherance of settlement agreements. Duties also include advising DEM offices on program development and procedures. DEM attorneys participate in establishing Administrative Enforcement Policies to develop consistent procedures throughout DEM. Office Links Staff Inspection Guidelines Directions Regulations