Burn restriction effective Aug. 1

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
An open burn restriction will go into effect Aug. 1 for Weston County. The commissioners approved the resolution enacting the ban on July 16. 
“Due to a potentially severe to extreme fire situation throughout Weston County, created by heavy fuel load and dry summer conditions, which could create situations that over-extend the fire-fighting capability of local government the open burning restrictions will take effect Aug. 1, 2019,” the notice states. 
According to Amy Ham, fire planner for the U.S. Forest Service in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, the agency only labels fire outlook as low, moderate or extreme. Instead, the agency bases its fire outlook more on the weather predictions for the year. 
“Because of the weather this year and the amount of precipitation, we are expecting an average or moderate fire season,” Ham said. 
Ham noted that a large fire is not out of the question when fuel begins to dry. The potential for fires started by lightning lessens, however, later in the summer. So unless the fire is caused by humans, the chances diminish. 
“There could be a large fire if the conditions are right, but that is less likely the later we get into the season,” Ham said. 
The Farmers’ Almanac long-range weather outlook for the high plains, including Weston County, shows below-average temperatures with above-average precipitation. It also predicts below-average temperatures and precipitation in September and above-average temperatures and precipitation in October. 
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center also shows the potential for higher levels of precipitation in August, September and October, with temperatures below or average during the same period. 
To date, Newcastle has received 7.74 inches of precipitation this year, according to Weston County Natural Resource District manager Lacey Sloan. The heaviest months this year for precipitation have been May with
2.44 inches and June with 2.35 inches. 
“As we approach mid to late summer, our grass fuels in particular, will naturally begin to mature and dry out regardless of the amount of moisture we receive,” Fire warden Daniel Tysdal. “Due to the abundance of moisture the past two years, we have a heavy fuel load that, coupled with the right conditions, could contribute to a large devastating fire, especially in the grasslands.”
He noted that while open burning restrictions do prohibit outdoor burning and fireworks, there are several exceptions that are allowed.
“The average individual will generally not even be impacted by the restrictions as they go about their summer activities,” Tysdal said. “In addition to bringing awareness to the public of deteriorating conditions and the need for caution, the restrictions will hopefully simply prevent someone from lighting up a large slash or debris pile, or that sort of activity, which could quickly get out of hand.” 
Open burn restrictions, according to the notice, include prohibiting the discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires in the unincorporated area of Weston County, except in specific situations outlined in the burn restriction. 
“These restrictions do not include the areas within incorporated cities and towns in Weston County or federal and state lands, as these entities may impose more or less restrictive regulations,” the release says. 
Most of the stipulations and requirements state that the activities must be done within a cleared area 10 feet in radius and that a shovel and fire suppression means must be readily available in case the fire spreads. 
Activities that are allowed under these conditions, and others, include the burning of trash or refuse inside containers provided with a spark arrester between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Campfires contained in an established fire ring with a radius no larger than 3 feet are permitted, as well as charcoal fires within enclosed grills. 
The use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders are allowed within certain parameters, along with propane or open fire branding activities. 
“Internal or external combustion engines including chain saws, ATVs and motorcycles shall have approved spark arrestors,” the notice states.
Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force is exempt from these rules and regulations as long as they are in performance of an official duty. Other exceptions to the fire ban rules and regulations can be found in Wyoming Statute 35-10-204. 
The Weston County commissioners, for public display purposes, can also grant exemptions. The county fire warden also has the authority to temporarily lift or re-impose these restrictions. 
Anyone found in violation of the open burning restrictions can face up to 30 days in jail, up to $100 in fines, or both. Such a party might also be required to pay restitution for the cost of fire suppression and damages to others.