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.
Obsolete Pesticides Collection Program The Division of Agriculture (DAG) has implemented a program through which commercial applicators will be able to properly dispose of obsolete pesticides. These are products which are unregistered, have been banned or have otherwise become unusable (caked, frozen, dried out, etc.). As these products are no longer able to be used for their intended purpose, they are classified as "Hazardous Waste". It is not uncommon for these materials to accumulate, as once registered products become unregistered, banned, uses and target pests are removed from labels, or they simply outlive their shelf-life. It is the intent of RIDEM/DAG to ensure that these materials are collected and properly disposed of. Please be advised that although possession of these materials may be a violation of the Rhode Island Pest Control Act (RIPCA) this effort is being offered as compliance assistance and not enforcement. This program is of no cost to you and eliminates your liability associated with storing these hazardous materials such as groundwater contamination, clean-up costs, legal liability, and disposal costs. For more information please see our Guide on How to Participate.