GILLETTE, Wyo. — Heightened fire activity has prompted the Campbell County Fire Department to remind the community of current Stage 1 Fire Restrictions while providing instructions on keeping property safe from wildfires.
In the last few days, Campbell County firefighters have responded to more than 60 calls, which is well above average. The calls involved a plane crash north of Gillette and multiple wildfires, one of which destroyed property and displaced families, the department posted on social media.
On Sunday, a severe storm led to 16 fire calls and over 1,500 acres burned, per CCFD.
“With all the recent activity, CCFD wants to remind the community that we are currently under Fire Restrictions,” the post said, also advising residents on certain steps to keep their homes and property safe from fires.
Residents should keep fire tools like shovels and rakes readily available. Burnable materials should be moved away from structures and garden hoses should be kept attached and ready for use, per CCFD.
Trees within 30 feet of a structure should be removed and coniferous trees within 70 feet of a structure should be pruned and thinned, according to CCFD. Grasses should be kept green and moved back 100 feet from structures.
Woodpiles need to be at least 30 feet away from structures and fuel tanks; chimneys need to be kept clean and have a spark arrestor installed; and driveways need to be accessible to fire trucks while providing an adequate turn-around area, per CCFD.
