< All Public Input & Actions

BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District issues fire restrictions

Wyoming
Media Contact
Brittany Jones
BLM Office:
Worland Field Office

WORLAND, Wyo. — Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will begin August 1 on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management Wind River/Bighorn Basin District’s Cody, Lander and Worland field offices in Big Horn, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Sweetwater and Washakie counties. 

“These fire restrictions are the result of current and projected weather conditions, amount of dry vegetation, and coordination with our fellow wildfire cooperators throughout the area,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Brian Cresto. 

Hot, dry conditions and high fire danger have prompted the prohibition of the following activities: 

  • Campfires and Open Flames: Building or using a fire or campfire is only allowed in agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, in fully enclosed grills or stoves with a screen that blocks sparks (¼" mesh), or in stoves that use pressurized liquid or gas. 

  • Smoking: Smoking is only permitted inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or in areas that are completely cleared of flammable materials and at least three feet in diameter. 

  • Chainsaw Use: Operating a chainsaw is prohibited unless it’s equipped with a USDA or SAE-approved spark arrester, and the operator has both a chemical fire extinguisher (at least 8 ounces) and a shovel with a handle at least 36 inches long. 

  • Welding and Torches: Using welding equipment or any torch with an open flame is only allowed in cleared areas at least 10 feet wide, and a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher (minimum 8 ounces) must be immediately available. 

These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered lands throughout Wyoming, which include: 

  • Discharging or using any fireworks. 

  • Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition. 

  • Burning, igniting, or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material. 

  • Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands without a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c). 

  • Use or charge of explosives of any kind, incendiary devices, pyrotechnic devices or exploding targets. 

It is important we all do our part to prevent unnecessary risks of wildfire starts. Failure to comply with fire restrictions on federal lands is punishable by law. Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs for suppressing the fire. 

For more information on BLM fire restrictions or conditions, contact your local BLM office or visit www.blm.gov/wyoming-fire-restrictions. 

 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.