Hatchery Fire 100 percent contained

WORLAND – The Hatchery Fire, located about seven miles east of Ten Sleep, is 100 percent contained. According to Inciweb the fire reached 100 percent containment on July 30.

While the fire is considered 100 percent contained there are some climbing restrictions in place. “The climbing walls / areas south / down from the switch back areas are still closed to climbing,” Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness said.

While roads and some climbing areas are open, people are still advised to pay attention to falling debris. “All climbers and travelers using, climbing or driving on Highway 16 up through the canyon and around the switch backs should be aware of falling and fallen rock, logs and other debris caused by the fire,” Rakness said.

People are also being advised that the potential for fire is extremely high right now and that camp fire restrictions have been put into place. “Again as a reminder, the weather has been extremely dry, with hot, dry winds. Please be careful of fires and be aware there are no open campfires on the mountain. You may have a fire in a designated fire pit, in a campground area. No other fires are permitted,” Rakness stated.

Stage one fire restrictions have been implemented for the Bighorn National Forest by Forest Supervisor Bill Bass. The restrictions became effective Friday.

Stage 1 fire restrictions include these regulations. 

—Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited, including barbecues and grills. However, fires are allowed in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites. Portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, and pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stoves with a ¼-inch spark arrester type screen are permitted.

—Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.

—Chainsaws must have a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in working order. Chainsaw operators must have readily available a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A and a round point shovel at least 35 inches long.

—Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame must be in a cleared area at least 10 feet in diameter and the operator must have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A.

—The use of explosives.

Some exemptions are allowed, for example persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited acts and official firefighters.

Fire danger in the Bighorn National Forest is very high. Conditions are such that fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and quickly increase in intensity and size. Restrictions will remain in effect until forest conditions change and the fire danger rating is reduced.

The special order is available on the Bighorn’s website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn/. For more information about restrictions and forest conditions call the Medicine Wheel Ranger District in Greybull at 307-765-4435, the Powder River Ranger District in Buffalo at 307-684-7806, or the Tongue Ranger District in Sheridan at 307-674-2600.