BLM Addresses Rising Fire Conditions in Wyoming by Adding Resources
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Warm, dry, summer weather has taken hold of much of Wyoming increasing fire activity across the state as vegetation dries out. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming has already responded to approximately 30 fires burning over 3,000 acres of BLM managed lands during 2016. To prepare for the increased fire danger over the 4th of July holiday and to address the intensified fire danger across Wyoming, the BLM has added four Single Engine Air Tankers, two engines, one helicopter, and an initial attack dozer to its existing fleet of firefighting tools.
“Here at BLM Wyoming we've worked with our partners from Idaho, Utah, and Oregon to position some additional equipment in the state to address the added fire potential and activity we're seeing across the state," said BLM Wyoming Fire Management Officer Kyle Cowan. “Much of this equipment, like the initial attack dozer, comes with highly skilled personnel that are ready to respond wherever they are needed in Wyoming."
The two BLM engines are from Oregon, the BLM helicopter is from Utah, and the BLM dozer is from Idaho. Four Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) along with other wildland fire management and incident command personnel have also been temporarily relocated to Wyoming. All of these resources are ready to respond to wildfires and assist other state and federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Wyoming State Forestry with wildfire initial attack or long-term suppression.
These resources may be moved around throughout the state and could be called away to other high priority fires in nearby areas. Protecting public land and supporting other agencies in wildfire suppression is one of the main goals of the BLM so that public lands remain safe and available for everyone.
With the 4th of July holiday upcoming, the BLM would like to remind residents of Wyoming that no fireworks are allowed on Public Lands managed by the BLM. Anyone who causes a wildland fire intentionally or through negligence can be held accountable for damage and suppression costs. To report wildfires, contact your local fire department, sheriff's office or fire dispatch center by calling 911. For more information on the BLM Wyoming's fire preparedness, please contact Public Information Specialist Brad Purdy at 307-286-2200 or Fire Mitigation and Education Specialist Carmen Thomason at 307-775-6020.
The BLM manages more than 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.