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As a very busy fire season winds down in Wyoming, the BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District thanks the local communities for their support.
 
“We realize that smoke can affect visibility and health, and that temporary road and trail closures can be a major inconvenience, so we really appreciate all the support and patience we received this summer as firefighters worked to suppress these fires,” said Kim Liebhauser, district manager of  the Wind River/Bighorn Basin District.
 
The Salt Center Fire north of Ten Sleep kicked off the district’s fire season on June 10 and was followed by several large fires including the Lava Mountain Fire north of Dubois, Hatchery Fire east of Ten Sleep, Whit Fire west of Cody and Twin Lakes Fire south of Meeteetse. More than 200 fires burned approximately 38,000 acres within the Cody Dispatch Zone this summer.
 
Towns near the fires saw their populations temporarily swell as dozens of crews camped in or near town and restaurants were tapped to provide meals for the masses.
 
“It must be a challenge for towns the size of Dubois, Meeteetse and Ten Sleep when hundreds of firefighters show up seemingly overnight,” said Liebhauser. “We appreciate their willingness and responsiveness to accommodate the crews.”
 
Now that the smoke has settled, stabilization and rehabilitation efforts are underway in many of the burned areas. Fire suppression and infrastructure protection activities unavoidably left new vehicle tracks which, once present, are tempting for others to follow. Repeated vehicle use along these tracks can turn them into permanent scars on the landscape. It is imperative that hunters and other motorized recreationists refrain from driving in the tracks left behind by firefighters.
 
Rich Zimmerlee, fire management officer for the Wind River/Bighorn Basin District, warns that special hazards will exist in burned areas for many years to come.
 
“Conditions in burned areas change constantly,” said Zimmerlee. “Be on the lookout for unstable dead trees, especially when it’s windy, and watch for mudslides and rolling debris, including loose rocks and logs.”
 
Finally, while fire season may be slowing down and cooler temperatures and precipitation are on their way, fire potential still exists.
 
“Please remember that there is plenty of cured vegetation that can easily burn until significant snowfall arrives,” said Zimmerlee. “Ensure your campfire is out before going hunting and turning in for the night.”

For more information about the fires this season or current and forecasted conditions, please contact Zimmerlee at 307-347-5100.