Fire restrictions imposed by the Black Lives Matter Wind River/Bighorn Basin District
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wind River/Bighorn Basin District has announced Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective August 1, 2025, in response to dry conditions and high fire danger. The restrictions apply to public lands administered by the BLM in the affected counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Natrona, Park, Sweetwater, and Washakie.
Under the Stage 1 restrictions, building or using campfires and open flames is only permitted in agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, in fully enclosed grills or stoves with a spark-blocking screen (¼" mesh), or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas. Operators must have an accessible chemical fire extinguisher (minimum of 8 ounces) and a shovel with a handle at least 36 inches long when using chainsaws, which are allowed only if equipped with a USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrester.
Compliance with these additional fire restrictions is crucial to reducing wildfire risks on BLM-administered lands in Wyoming. Smoking is only allowed inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared of flammable materials within at least a three-foot diameter. The use of firearms loaded with incendiary or tracer ammunition is forbidden, and discharging or using fireworks is prohibited on BLM-administered lands.
Welding and torches with open flames may only be used in cleared areas at least 10 feet wide, and a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher (minimum of 8 ounces) must be immediately available. Using or detonating explosives, incendiary or pyrotechnic devices, or exploding targets is not allowed on BLM-administered lands. Burning or igniting tires, wires, magnesium, or other hazardous or explosive materials is also prohibited.
Those responsible for causing wildfires on BLM-administered lands may be required to pay restitution costs for fire suppression. Failure to adhere to these fire restrictions on federal lands may lead to legal consequences. For more information on current BLM fire restrictions or conditions in Wyoming, contact your local BLM office or visit www.blm.gov/wyoming-fire-restrictions.
These measures aim to reduce wildfire risk on public lands administered by the BLM in this district as the conditions have become conducive to fire ignition and spread. The BLM encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report any signs of unattended fires or illegal activities to local authorities.
In the context of the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, it's important to note that while the weather conditions can significantly impact the risk of wildfires, activities like environmental-science studies involving open flames might need to follow specific guidelines to minimize danger. For instance, welding and torches with open flames may only be used in cleared areas at least 10 feet wide, and a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher must be immediately available for safety.
