The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has upgraded its fire restrictions from partial to full restrictions on its public lands in central and eastern Wyoming beginning today, according to a news release.

The dry conditions and high fire danger have warranted the tougher restrictions in Natrona, Converse, Platte and Goshen counties, which are under the administration of the BLM's Casper Field Office.

The following acts are prohibited on public lands unless otherwise noted:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal on BLM lands in these counties. These devices, however, are permitted: portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel; or fully enclosed (sheepherder type) wood burning stoves (piped) with a one-quarter inch spark arrester-type screen are permitted.
  • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
  • Operating a chainsaw without a USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than eight ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel at least 36 inches long.
  • Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel at least 36 inches long.

These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Wyoming:

  • Discharge or use of any fireworks.
  • Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
  • Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium or any other hazardous or explosive material.
  • Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester.

The following persons are exempt from this order:

  • Persons with a permit or letter of authorization specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
  • Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Violation of this Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or imprisonment of not more than one year12 months, or both. Restitution for total suppression and damage costs incurred will be borne by the violator.

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