With the approach of fall and opening of rifle hunting seasons across the area, there have been questions regarding the current Stage 1 Open Burn Restrictions that have been in place since late June.
Due to continued weather patterns and conditions, along with the now-cured grasses and live vegetation moisture levels critically low, the Stage 1 Open Burn Restrictions will remain in place for a while longer this season. Local fire departments are all still actively being called to vegetation fires from simple human causes like cigarettes, welding, and even windrowing of grass hay. Another cause is lightning during the dry thunderstorms. The ease of these fire causes reminds our firefighters of just how high the fire dangers remain.
It is true that some of the area in western Fremont County has received some rain over the last few weeks, but most of the county has not received any measurable and consistent precipitation. All of us are hopeful the fall moisture will arrive soon, along with the cooler fall temperatures. After the arrival of several days of cool temperatures and measurable, consistent moisture across the region, the Stage 1 Restriction will be lifted.
Firefighters across our county are thankful and very appreciative of the support from our citizens and visitors who have been so cautious this summer with fire or activities that could lead to catastrophic results. It has made a huge impact.
Currently, the US Forest Service – Shoshone National Forest is the only area within Fremont County where there are no Stage 1 Restrictions. You are encouraged to check with the appropriate agencies on the current restrictions when you travel out or plan activities this fall.
As a reminder, the current restrictions on the unincorporated lands in Fremont County, excluding federal ownership or the cities and towns, are available below.
Fremont County Stage 1 Restrictions
Discharge of fireworks, exploding target devices and all outdoor fires are prohibited in unimproved areas of Fremont County except as provided below:
1. Only campfires at residences or developed recreation sites, within a fire ring centered within a minimum of 15 feet cleared radius of burnable materials and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site are permitted.
2. Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., inside containers provided with a spark arrester, centered within a minimum of 15 feet cleared radius of burnable materials.
3. Charcoal fires within enclosed grills, centered within a minimum of 15 feet cleared radius of burnable materials.
4. Use of acetylene cutting, electric arc welders, or metal grinding centered within a minimum of 15 feet cleared radius of burnable materials, and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site, is permitted.
5. The use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove and open fire branding activities centered within a minimum of 15 feet cleared radius of burnable materials.
The following persons are exempt from the restrictions imposed in Stage 1 Restrictions:
a. Any federal, state, or local officers engaged in fire, emergency, and law enforcement activities.
b. Any member of a rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty.
c. A member of the public who is burning agricultural vegetation within the confines of land that can be irrigated, provided that;
- The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch has been notified of the burn, and
- The responsible individual remains at the site with a water supply for suppression means until the burning is completed and the fire extinguished.
- All burning must be completed between 6-10 am in the morning.