Stage 1 fire restrictions implemented for Thunder Basin National Grassland

Campfires are only allowed in USDA Forest Service approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.

(LARAMIE, Wyo.)  August 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Wed., Aug. 7, 2024, for the Thunder Basin National Grassland.

This includes National Forest System lands located in Campbell, Converse, Crook, Niobrara, and Weston counties in Wyoming.

The USDA Forest Service has coordinated with all affected counties and state agencies on the timing of the restrictions. The impacted areas are managed by the Douglas Ranger District.

Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires across the Grassland. 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.

The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice:

• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:
  • A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
  • A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
  • A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
• Smoking is prohibited, 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 or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a). For chainsaw use, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) must be kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
• Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
• Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.

Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in USDA approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.

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.  Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.

Grassland staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter weather pattern develops.

Call or visit your local office for site-specific information.

• Douglas Ranger District, Douglas, Wyo., (307) 358-4690
• Forest Supervisor’s Office, Laramie, Wyo., (307) 745-2300

Information on the Thunder Basin National Grassland can be found on our website or on the Forests’ 'X' and Facebook accounts.