July Fourth holiday safety reminders

The Fourth of July is a holiday to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States from England nearly 250 years ago, but is typically one of the busiest times for law enforcement.

Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness wants to remind people to not drink and drive because you not only put your life in danger, but also increase the chance of ending someone else’s life in the process.

Rakness also wanted to remind those who are going camping this weekend to plan ahead, be mindful of creek levels if large amounts of rain occur, and to remember to put out fires as there is currently a moderate risk for a fire due to drier conditions compared to normal. Precipitation in the Worland area is over four inches below where it was at this time last year, and around two inches below normal values.

Temperatures predicted as of Tuesday are expected to be 93 degrees on Friday, 91 on Saturday and 91 on Sunday.

Fireworks are not allowed within city limits in Worland, but the Bureau of Land Management Worland Field Office in conjunction with the City of Worland, Worland Fire Protection District No. 1 and Washakie County have opened up the gravel pit located northwest of Worland for use from July 2-5.

BLM Worland Field Manager Mike Phillips said, “This year, we encourage people to practice physical distancing and adhere to any current orders issued by the Wyoming Governor’s Office.”