County and city fire restrictions placed

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Dry conditions across northeast Wyoming have contributed to more acres burning in 2021 — 1,270.7 acres — than in the last four years combined (1,096.7 acres), according to Weston County Fire Warden Daniel Tysdal. 
“As of today, we have had 15 wildland fires already this year — nine natural caused (lightning) and six human caused,” Tysdal told the News Letter Journal Monday evening. 
In addition to the already rough season, Tysdal said that the “National Weather Service is predicting above-normal temperatures across the state and below-normal precipitation as drought conditions continue to worsen in the northeast corner of the state.”
He explained that forecasting indicates the county could be in for a bad year, fire-wise.
“The timber fuel models are well below average for this time of year, in terms of fuel moisture, as was demonstrated on the Skull Creek Fire where group tree torching and spotting ahead of the fire occurred,” Tysdal said. “The grass fuel models have almost completely cured in most areas of the county as well and resistance to control measures are evident in all fuel models, even though it’s still June.” 
Because of this, he said the stage has been set for a long challenging fire season and he is asking that the public remain vigilant.
In the hopes of preventing fires, stage one burn restrictions have been implemented in both Weston County and on the Thunder Basin National Grasslands due to continued drought conditions, high temperatures and large fuel loads, according to Tysdal and a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
Also, the City of Newcastle took action Monday during their regular council meeting by banning all fireworks within city limits and suspending the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department’s firework show for the Fourth of July, for the time being, according to City Clerk/Treasurer Greg James.
“It was a hard decision to have to make, but we have to keep the community safe,” Mayor Pam Gualtieri said, noting that last year there was no ban.“The takeaway is the drought conditions the past two years and the current hot, dry weather will continue to deteriorate conditions in Weston County. Extreme caution should be used in any outdoor activity that could cause a wildfire,” Tysdal told the News Letter Journal. 
After coordinating with local agencies, the USDA produced a press release stating that stage one fire restrictions would
be implemented on June 16, while Weston County’s restrictions begin on June 24. Both sets of restrictions directly prohibit all discharging of fireworks on federally managed land or land within Weston County, although areas within incorporated cities and towns are not included. 
“Going into restrictions is not taken lightly by the Forest Service. Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreation usage across the forests and grasslands,” the release says. “Recent dry, windy and hot weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources.” 
Both sets of restrictions provide for permitted campfires as long as specific regulations are followed. For Weston County, campfires at residences or campsites are allowed within a fire ring centered within a minimum of a 15-foot cleared radius of burnable materials.  
As far as the Thunder Basin National Grasslands goes, those restrictions are tighter than the county’s. 
“Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions,” the release says. “Campfires are only allowed in USDA approved and installed fire pits/grates or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.” 
Violating either set of restrictions can lead to jail time, fines and potential reimbursement for damages. 
“Violation of these regulations is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both,” the release says. “Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for costs of that fire.” 
According to Tysdal, any violation of the county burn restrictions is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to $100 in fines, or both. Restitution for the costs of fire suppression and damage to others are also possible punishments. 
Both entities will continue to monitor ongoing fire conditions, and the release states that additional action may be necessary if weather remains hot and dry. Easing of restrictions is also possible if a wetter weather patterns develops. 
“The county fire warden may temporarily lift or re-impose these open burning restrictions,” Tysdal said. “For the latest status of the restrictions, visit or call 307-746-2031.”