GILLETTE, Wyo. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service put fire restrictions in place at Thunder Basin National Grassland, the agency announced in a press release on Wednesday.
Stretching across multiple counties in Wyoming, including Campbell County, the agency cited dry fuel, weather conditions and the risk of human-caused wildfires as the reasons for the restrictions. Hot and dry conditions increase fire risk, so being proactive about those risks would keep the area and visitors safe, the release said.
Until further notice, the following actions are prohibited within the grassland:
- Lighting a fire of any kind, excluding USDA-approved liquid gas devices or agency-built fire pits
- Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle, building or cleared recreation area
- Operating any combustion engine without an installed spark arresting device
- Welding or torching with an open flame
- Using explosives of any kind, including fireworks and ammunition
Violation of the restrictions are punishable by a misdemeanor as well as fines of up to $10,000 and six months of jail time. For more information, check the Thunder Basin National Grassland website.
