Game & Fish issues fire ban

A fire ban goes into effect on lands owned or administered by Wyoming Game & Fish this Friday, following the example of the county-implemented restrictions that will become effective at the same time.

Both fire bans are in response to the good grass growth so far this year and the expected drier conditions of late summer. The Game & Fish ban includes the Sand Creek Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Beulah.

“The Sheridan region has experienced near normal precipitation for the first time in three years, resulting in increased grass production compared with previous years,” said Nathan Lindsey, WGFD Sheridan Region Habitat and Access Coordinator, in a press release.

“The increase in production and high temperatures have raised the potential for fires in our area. In order to reduce potential impact to the land and forage that is crucial for wintering wildlife, we have decided to implement a fire ban alongside county regulations on Commission-owned lands.”

While the ban is effective, visitors to Sand Creek will not be permitted to build, maintain, attend or use a fire, charcoal grill, coal or wood burning stove.

Smoking is prohibited except within 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 flammable material.

Fires are not permitted within established campfire rings. Fireworks are always prohibited on Game & Fish lands.

The county’s fire ban also becomes effective on Friday. As a reminder, fireworks are not permitted while the ban is active.

Also prohibited are trash or refuse fires, camp fires and charcoal fires. Smoking is permitted only within enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites or within areas three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.

Cutting torches, electric arc welders, chainsaws and propane or open fire branding activities are only permitted in cleared areas with fire suppression available and internal or external combustion engines such as chainsaws and ATVs must have approved spark arrestors.

Applications for burn permits are available through the County Fire Warden.