U.S. Bureau of Land Management

A previous government study noted that the project calls for exemptions to operate in sage grouse and raptor habitat.

The ruling marks the latest pushback against the administration’s practice of filling key positions without U.S. Senate approval.

Red flag weather conditions -- strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures -- are forecast for the rest of Friday.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

It is burning in sage brush, grass and juniper and moving in a northeast direction.

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

Preventable wildfires threaten lives, property and resources.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management permit is valid for trees located on BLM-administered lands only.

The project, headed by Aethon Energy Management and Burlington Resources Oil and Gas Co., would span 512 square miles.

The BLM units had activated running lights and sirens, but the tractor refused to stop, according to the affidavit.