§ 2-12-13. Proclamation of hazardous conditions — Closing of forests.
(a) Whenever in his or her opinion an unusual forest fire hazard exists, the director of environmental management shall notify the governor, who has the authority to forbid by proclamation, any person or persons entering forests, woodlands or open lands in any parts of the state that he or she deems the public interest requires, and may by that proclamation suspend any woods operations and open season for taking fish, birds and quadrupeds. The proclamation shall be in full force and effect immediately after notice is given in the manner the governor may determine, and shall remain in force until rescinded by the governor. This does not prevent entry into forest or woodland areas by forest fire suppression agents, law enforcement agents, legal residents of those areas or persons engaged in pursuits necessary to the public health and welfare or, by any agency or person authorized by the state director of environmental management.
(b) Any authorized representative or representatives of the director of environmental management, as well as state and local police authorities, shall enforce the provisions of the proclamation. Any person or persons violating any of the provisions of this section shall be liable to a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) or imprisonment for not more than ten (10) days.
History of Section.G.L. 1956, § 2-12-13; P.L. 1970, ch. 124, § 4.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry
Chapter 2-12 - Forest Fires and Prevention
Section 2-12-1. - Definitions.
Section 2-12-2. - Fire fighting equipment.
Section 2-12-3. - Lookout stations and appropriations.
Section 2-12-4. - Conferences of fire chiefs and senior officers.
Section 2-12-5. - Rules and regulations.
Section 2-12-6. - Restrictions on open air fires.
Section 2-12-7. - Exemption of attended fires.
Section 2-12-8. - Enforcement.
Section 2-12-9. - Causing of fires.
Section 2-12-10. - Fire upon land of another — Penalty — Liability for damages.
Section 2-12-11. - Fire fighting by fire chiefs and senior officers — Summons of assistance.
Section 2-12-12. - Posting of statutory provisions.
Section 2-12-13. - Proclamation of hazardous conditions — Closing of forests.
Section 2-12-14. - Closing of fishing and hunting seasons during drought.
Section 2-12-15. - Emergency powers of director.
Section 2-12-16. - Compensation of emergency fire fighters.
Section 2-12-17. - Right of fire fighters and officials to enter land.
Section 2-12-18. - Disposition of fines — Limitation of prosecutions.
Section 2-12-19. - Enforcement and prosecutions.