BLM Cody, Lander and Worland Issue Fire Restrictions
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Effective Friday, August 12, fire restrictions will begin for all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management Cody, Lander and Worland field offices.
The restrictions on public lands have been made in coordination with the local counties, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and other state agencies, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
“These fire restrictions are a result of our continued coordinated relationships with our fellow wildfire cooperators within the Bighorn and Wind River basins,” said district Fire Management Officer Rich Zimmerlee.
Hot, dry conditions and high fire danger have prompted the prohibition of the following activities:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼” spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating a chainsaw without a U.S. Department of Agriculture or Society of Automotive Engineers approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
- Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
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 of 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 unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
Violation of this Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both. (43 CFR 9212.4 and 18 U.S.C. 3571). Restitution for total suppression and damage costs incurred will be borne by the violator.
For more information on fire restrictions or conditions, please contact Zimmerlee at 307-347-5100.
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.