GILLETTE, Wyo. — Anyone looking to have a campfire at Keyhole State Park this weekend will be disappointed, with the park announcing its compliance with a fire ban spanning Crook County.
“Crook County has officially instituted fire restrictions due to high fire danger, which will be put into effect at Keyhole State Park immediately,” the park announced in an Aug. 6 social media post.
The fire restrictions outlaw wood fires, charcoal grills, gas fireplaces, gas fire pits and all visible flames, according to the post, which says park visitors should plan ahead and consider bringing an approved gas grill with a lid instead.
Fire restrictions were upped to Stage 2 by the Crook County Board of Commissioners, which passed a resolution on Aug. 6 at the recommendation of Fire Warden Charlie Harrison recognizing a severe to extreme fire situation throughout the county.
According to the resolution, the fire situation is created by a heavy fuel load and dry conditions that could create situations that overextend the firefighting capability of the local government.
All fire sources are prohibited in Crook County with the current fire restrictions, the only exception being devices using pressurized liquid or gas that include shutoff valves when used in an area clear of flammable material.
The resolution advises that any violation is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a $100 fine or both, with possible restitution for the cost of fire suppression and damages to others due to the violation.
