Fire ban in the area in effect

Jess Oaks

GOSHEN COUNTY – In an urgent press release, the Goshen County Board of Commissioners and the Goshen County Fire Marshal announced the imposition of Level 1 fire restrictions for Goshen County.

The restrictions and exemptions listed in the release include the firing of fireworks and all outdoor fires are prohibited in undeveloped areas, with only campfires in residences or campgrounds, in a fire ring centered within a minimum 15-foot radius clear of combustible materials. Trash or garbage fires between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. inside a spark-equipped container and located within a minimum 15-foot clear radius of combustible materials. Charcoal fires in enclosed grills are permitted. The use of acetylene cutting torches, electric arc welders or metal grinders within a 15-foot clear radius. Combustible materials are permitted. The use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, gelled petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed stoves (berger type) and open fire marking activities within a 15-foot clear radius of combustible materials are permitted.

“The penalties provided in Wyoming Statute 35-9-304 may be imposed for violation of this resolution, including a fine not to exceed $100 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days or both, plus restitution costs,” the statement concluded.

The ban came into effect at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5.

“We are currently in the Low Fire Danger category according to the National Weather Service, but there are several factors that are preventing us from staying there. We are expected to remain in the above-average warm-dry-windy index for the next 30 days and our entire county is expected to remain in D2 drought intensity conditions through at least the end of September. Once we add in the forecast of above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation, our fire danger will gradually increase,” said Thom Bozeman, Goshen County Fire Commissioner and Goshen County Emergency Management Coordinator. “The recent fire in the Pine Ridge community demonstrated how hot, dry winds can spread a fire when there is a lot of dry fuel on the ground. These types of fast-moving fires are what we are trying to prevent through fire restrictions.”