News – Sheridan Media
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The Bureau of Land Management is alerting the public that due to dry conditions and high fire danger, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will take effect Aug. 1, on public lands administered by the BLM’s Wind River/Bighorn Basin District through the Cody, Lander, and Worland field offices. Counties affected include Big Horn, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Sweetwater, and Washakie.
BLM Fire Management Officer Brian Cresto said these fire restrictions result from current and projected weather conditions, dry vegetation levels, and coordination with wildfire cooperators throughout the area.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited:
- Campfires and Open Flames: Fires are permitted only in agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, fully enclosed grills or stoves with a spark-blocking screen (¼-inch mesh), or stoves using pressurized liquid or gas.
- Smoking: Permitted only inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared of flammable materials within at least a three-foot diameter.
- Chainsaw Use: Chainsaws may only be operated if equipped with a USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrester, and the operator must have an accessible chemical fire extinguisher (minimum of 8 ounces) and a shovel with a handle at least 36 inches long.
- Welding and Torches: Welding equipment or torches with open flames may only be used in cleared areas at least 10 feet wide. A pressurized chemical fire extinguisher (minimum of 8 ounces) must be immediately available.
These restrictions are in addition to year-round wildfire prevention rules on BLM-administered lands throughout Wyoming, which include:
- Discharging or using fireworks.
- Using firearms loaded with incendiary or tracer ammunition.
- Burning or igniting tires, wires, magnesium, or other hazardous or explosive materials.
- Operating off-road vehicles without a properly installed spark arrester, per 43 CFR 8343.1(c).
- Using or detonating explosives, incendiary or pyrotechnic devices, or exploding targets.
Compliance with these fire restrictions is crucial to reducing wildfire risks. Failure to adhere to these restrictions on federal lands is punishable by law, and those responsible for causing wildfires may also be required to pay restitution costs for fire suppression.
For more information on current BLM fire restrictions or conditions, contact your local BLM office or visit www.blm.gov/wyoming-fire-restrictions.
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Last modified: August 2, 2025