Fire restrictions imposed by BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District for the region
BLM Imposes Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Wyoming Due to High Fire Danger
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective August 1, 2025, for public lands managed by its Wind River/Bighorn Basin District in Wyoming. These restrictions are in response to current and projected weather conditions, dry vegetation levels, and coordination with wildfire cooperators [1][2][5].
The new restrictions prohibit discharging or using fireworks and using firearms loaded with incendiary or tracer ammunition to reduce the risk of wildfires and reflect the heightened fire danger during this period [1][5].
Under these Stage 1 restrictions, campfires and open flames are only permitted in agency-provided fire grates, fully enclosed grills or stoves with a spark-blocking screen, or stoves using pressurized liquid or gas [1].
Other prohibited activities include burning or igniting tires, wires, magnesium, or other hazardous or explosive materials, welding and torches with open flames, using or detonating explosives, incendiary or pyrotechnic devices, or exploding targets, and operating off-road vehicles without a properly installed spark arrester [3][4].
Smoking is only permitted inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared of flammable materials within at least a three-foot diameter [6]. Using firearms loaded with incendiary or tracer ammunition is forbidden on BLM-administered lands in Wyoming [7].
Compliance with these additional fire restrictions is essential to reduce wildfire risks on BLM-administered lands in Wyoming. The affected field offices include Cody, Lander, and Worland [8].
Failure to adhere to these fire restrictions on federal lands may result in legal consequences, as those responsible for causing wildfires on federal lands may be required to pay restitution costs for fire suppression [2].
More information on current BLM fire restrictions or conditions can be found by contacting your local BLM office or visiting www.blm.gov/wyoming-fire-restrictions. Counties affected by these restrictions include Big Horn, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Sweetwater, and Washakie [9].
Chainsaw use is only allowed if equipped with a USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrester, and the operator must have an accessible chemical fire extinguisher (minimum of 8 ounces) and a shovel with a handle at least 36 inches long [10].
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and follow these restrictions to ensure the safety of our public lands and communities during this period of high fire danger.
The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Wyoming, enforced by the BLM, also prohibit activities that could potentially exacerbate the fire danger, such as environmental-science experiments involving open flames or the use of incendiary materials, considering the current high weather risks and dry environment.
To mitigate wildfire risks on BLM-administered lands in Wyoming, all scientific exploration and studies, particularly those in the field of environmental-science that involve fire, should obey the fire restrictions, such as the rule against using firearms loaded with incendiary or tracer ammunition.
