CASPER, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management’s Worland Field Office is making a temporary exception to the fireworks ban on public lands for a specific area for the Independence Day holiday.
“The use of fireworks will be permitted at a gravel pit northwest of Worland from July 2–5, 2020,” the BLM Worland announcement states.
The gravel pit along the road to the landfill has served as an area for people to use fireworks in previous years surrounding the Fourth of July as well. BLM Worland says it is a “good location because the area poses a low risk of wildland fire occurrence.”
Fireworks will only be permitted within the gravel pit in the area shown on the map below. Fireworks are not permitted on Fifteen Mile Road or gravel pits north of the landfill, BLM Worland said. The map is as follows:
“The BLM is committed to providing a safe place on public land for people to use fireworks this Fourth of July,” said BLM Worland Field Manager Mike Phillips. “This year, we encourage people to practice physical distancing and adhere to any current orders issued by the Wyoming Governor’s Office.”
People are also asked to dispose of litter and avoid areas of the gravel pit which “have been reclaimed and reseeded to allow for the re-establishment of vegetation in these sensitive areas.”
BLM Worland said they are working with other agencies to ensure safety during the temporary lift of the fireworks ban.
“The BLM’s partnerships with the City of Worland, Worland Fire Protection District #1 and Washakie County will enable an integrated approach to fire management, emergency medical services and law enforcement during the holiday weekend,” the announcement said. “As an extra precaution during the holiday weekend, the Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Fire Crew will staff engines throughout the district to provide a quick response if any wildfires are started by fireworks.”
“For more information, please contact BLM Fire Management Officer Rich Zimmerlee at 307-921-2381.”
This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.
