BLM Cody and Worland lift fire restrictions

Effective Friday, Sept. 9, the Bureau of Land Management lifted all fire restrictions implemented by the Cody and Worland field offices within Park, Big Horn, Washakie and Hot Springs counties.

“Due to cooler temperatures and increased moisture, fire danger has decreased across the Bighorn Basin, allowing us to lift fire restrictions,” said Rich Zimmerlee, BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District fire management officer. “But please remember as you’re out recreating and hunting on public lands to never leave your campfire unattended.”

The following activities can resume on BLM-administered public lands:

—Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire 

—Smoking

—Operating a chainsaw

—Using an arc or gas welder or acetylene or other torch 

The following restrictions are in effect year-round on all BLM-administered public lands: 

—Discharging or using fireworks

—Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition

—Burning or igniting tires, wires, magnesium, or other hazardous or explosive material

—Operating an off-road vehicle unless it is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester 

Zimmerlee thanked the public for its cooperation and vigilance. “Firefighters have had their hands full during this very active fire season,” said Zimmerlee. “Without the public’s adherence to the fire restrictions, it’s likely there would have been more fires.”

For details and updates on BLM fire restrictions or conditions, please visit http://www.wy.blm.gov/wy_fire_restrictions/.