PINEDALE — On Wednesday, July 7, Sublette County enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions that limit fires within the county after the Sublette County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to enact fire restrictions following the recommendations of Fire Chief Shad Cooper, according to a press release.

Fire restrictions have also been implemented for the USFS Bridger-Teton National Forest. The restrictions have been enacted due to the current high fire danger, drought conditions, and continued hot, dry, and windy weather. Additionally, increased visitation and recreational use has led to several new fires in the neighboring areas. 

The Sublette County’s Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit all outdoor fires, incendiary devices, and the
discharge of fireworks within the county.

The following exceptions are only allowed if the fire activity is controlled with a minimum of 15 foot radius of cleared area with no burnable materials:

• Campfires at residences or campsites, within a fire ring centered within a minimum of a 15 feet cleared radius of burnable materials.
• Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m, inside containers provided with spark arresters and located within a cleared radius of a minimum of 15 feet 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 15 feet of burnable materials.
• 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 feet of burnable materials is permitted.

Additional fire restrictions have also been enacted on the USFS Bridger-Teton National Forest. These additional fire restrictions apply primarily to restricting campfires and smoking on federal lands, in addition to the normal year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on fireworks, exploding targets, incendiary ammunition, and operating off-road vehicles/chainsaws without properly installed spark arresters. 

Fire restrictions and allowable fire use do vary depending on jurisdiction. For specific information about fire restrictions on public land, please see the following: https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-
tdc/home/information/restrictions

Residents and visitors are also reminded to always be aware of driving and parking on dry grass and to always ensure tow chains are secure before towing a vehicle.