14 Of Wyoming’s 23 Counties Are Now Under Fire Restrictions

Summer is wildfire season around Wyoming, and this year is particularly busy. Across the United States, over 5 million acres burn annually due to wildfires. Hot and dry conditions are the key factors behind 14 Wyoming counties imposing Stage 1 Fire restrictions.

These are the 14 counties.

• Campbell
• Converse
• Crook
• Fremont
• Goshen
• Hot Springs
• Johnson
• Laramie
• Natrona
• Niobrara
• Park
• Platte
• Sheridan
• Weston

Wildfires can start naturally, but many are caused by humans. Because of that, fire restrictions are put into effect to lower the chances of a wildfire starting because of human error. Be aware of the restrictions if you're going camping, cleaning up around the house, or working outside.

What do Stage I Fire restrictions mean?

From Natrona County-WY.gov:

• Only campfires at residences or campsites, within a fire ring centered within a minimum of a 15 ft. cleared radius of burnable materials are permitted.
• Trash or refuse burned between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 am inside containers equipped with spark arresters that are located within a cleared radius of a minimum of 15 ft. of burnable materials.
• Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.
• Use of acetylene cutting, electric arc welders, or metal grinding, in a cleared radius of a minimum of 15 ft. of burnable materials is permitted.
• The use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove and open fire branding activities in a cleared radius of 15 ft. is permitted.