CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A few days ahead of July 4, Laramie County residents residing in Fire District 10 will be prohibited from hosting open fires or discharging fireworks on state and private land until further notice.
The Laramie County Board of County Commissioners decided to impose the stage 1 fire restrictions at its regular meeting Tuesday following a discussion with Fire Warden Matt Butler. The commissioners originally intended to pass fire restrictions for the entire county at their June 18 meeting but postponed any final decision.
The restrictions will go into effect Wednesday morning, according to Commissioner Linda Heath.
Laramie County Fire District 10 is located in the southwest quadrant of the county, encompassing most of Belvoir Ranch and land south of Interstate 80 West. The commissioners decided to place restrictions on this district alone because fire chiefs disagreed on a need for countywide restrictions, Heath told Cap City News. She said residents, volunteers and the district fire chief in Fire District 10 provided input to the county and ultimately agreed that fire restrictions were appropriate.
“They just felt that, because of the remoteness and how dry it was there, it behooved them to ask for the fire restrictions,” Heath said.
The resolution originally presented in June states that Laramie County is experiencing a significant drought. The climate conditions have contributed to an excess amount of flammable material, according to the resolution. Butler suggested the restrictions to the commissioners.
The stage 1 fire restrictions are as follows:
- Discharging fireworks and making outdoor fires in unimproved areas are prohibited.
- Campfires at residences or campsites must be held within a ring 15 feet away from all flammable materials.
- Trash and refuse fires inside containers with spark arresters must be 15 feet away from all flammable materials between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Residents may hold charcoal fires inside enclosed grills.
- Residents may use acetylene cutting torches and electric arc welders or engage in metal grinding if done at least 15 feet away from flammable material.
- Residents may use portable stoves, gas lanterns, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid and a fully enclosed stove and engage in fire branding activities if done at least 15 feet away from flammable material.
The restrictions do not apply to federal, state and local officers engaged in fire, emergency or law enforcement tasks. Additionally, members of rescue or firefighting groups on duty are also exempt.
Firework safety
Butler advised residents outside Fire District 10 to be mindful when using fireworks this Fourth of July season. He gave the following tips at Tuesday’s meeting:
- Use fireworks only on a clear, open outdoor area away from buildings, dry grasses or other flammable material.
- Have a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher ready when using fireworks.
- Drown fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 20 minutes once used.
- Don’t let children handle fireworks.
- Use a safe ignition source, such as a punk, to ignite any fireworks.
- Do not try to relight a dud. Also soak any duds in water for 20 minutes.
