With more moisture in the air and the ground, Stage One Fire Restrictions have been lifted on B.L.M. lands in the Bighorn Basin and throughout western Wyoming.
At midnight on Tuesday, Aug. 31, the Bureau of Land Management – Wyoming lifted fire restrictions on all public lands administered by the Cody, Lander, and Worland field offices. These offices cover all B.L.M. lands within Big Horn, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Sweetwater, and Washakie counties.
“Due to cooler temperatures and increased moisture, fire danger has decreased across the district, allowing us to safely lift fire restrictions,” said Brent Meisinger, BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District fire management officer. “But please remember as you’re out recreating and hunting on public lands, continue to remain vigilant, completely extinguish your campfire before leaving it and keep wildfire prevention in mind.”
The following activities can resume on BLM-administered public lands:
- building a campfire
- smoking
- operating a chainsaw
- using an arc or gas welder, or operating an acetylene or other torch
The following restrictions are in effect year-round on all BLM-administered public lands, regardless of fire danger:
- discharging or using fireworks
- discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition
- burning or igniting tires, wires, magnesium, or other hazardous or explosive material
- operating an off-road vehicle unless it is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester
Thanks to cooler temperatures and more precipitation, several agencies and entities are lifting fire restrictions enacted at the peak of the summer heat.
Yellowstone National Park ended Stage One Fire Restrictions and a temporary fishing closure on Monday, Aug. 23. Rain and snow fell over most of the park, which lessened fire danger and increased river flow.
Shoshone National Forest followed suit a few days later, lifting its fire restrictions on Wednesday, Aug. 25. However, Bighorn National Forest has not lifted its fire restrictions enacted in late June, likely due to the still-burning Crater Ridge Fire.
Stage One Fire Restrictions are still in place in several Wyoming counties, including Park and Sheridan Counties.
Meisinger thanked public land users for their cooperation and vigilance. “Without your adherence to the fire restrictions, it’s likely there would have been more fires,” he said.
