Wildfire risk spurs bans

Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect Aug. 22 across the Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland as officials cite hot, dry conditions and heightened wildfire danger.

Aaron Woodward, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Rapid City, said Newcastle has actually received more precipitation this year than average — 14.74 inches to date compared with the norm of 14.31.

Despite the rainfall, Weston County’s fire warden, Daniel Tysdal, said the area has seen an increase in wildfires sparked by thunderstorms that produced little or no rain.

“The driest conditions seem to be south of Highway 16 where fuels are dry and fully cured and rain has been spotty over the past four to five weeks,” Tysdal said. “This is also indicated on the U.S. Drought Monitor map, which still shows abnormally dry to moderate drought across the area.”

The largest local fire this season, Tysdal said, was the Bum Draw fire, which burned 361.5 acres Aug. 17 near the Weston-Niobrara County line. Earlier, the Clareton fire burned 185.4 acres near the Bruce Road-Wyoming Highway 450 intersection.

“Weston County open burning restrictions are still in place, and the Thunder Basin National Grassland just went into Stage 1 restrictions as well,” Tysdal said. “As fuels continue to cure due to seasonal change and with lighter rain showers recently, we ask the public to be cautious with any outdoor activity that could start a fire. If you see a fire, call 911 immediately so resources can be dispatched.”

The newly implemented restrictions apply to all National Forest System lands in Albany, Campbell, Carbon, Converse, Crook, Natrona, Niobrara, Platte and Weston counties.

Under the order:

• Campfires are prohibited except in permanent metal or concrete fire pits and grates at designated Forest Service recreation sites.
 • Gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch are permitted in cleared areas.
 • Enclosed stoves with chimneys and spark arrestors are allowed under certain conditions.
 • Portable fire rings and charcoal-fueled devices are prohibited.
 • Explosives, including fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are banned.
 • Smoking is allowed only in vehicles, buildings or cleared areas at least 3 feet in diameter.
 • Welding or torch use is restricted to cleared areas with fire-extinguishing equipment on hand.
 • Combustion engines must have spark
arrestors.

“Restrictions help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources,” the Forest Service said in a statement.

Violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, with fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or up to six months in jail, or both. Those responsible for starting wildfires may also be held liable for suppression costs.

The order remains in effect through Dec. 31, 2025, unless lifted earlier. Forest officials said conditions will be monitored, and restrictions may be adjusted depending on weather trends.

Wildfires can be reported to the Casper Interagency Dispatch Center at 800-295-9952. Local ranger district offices also have site-specific information. More details and maps of restricted areas are available at fs.usda.gov/mbrtb.