JACKSON/PINEDALE — Due to extreme drought conditions leading to increased fire danger, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is implementing an open fire ban on all Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands within Teton, Lincoln and Sublette counties effective immediately.

These fire bans apply to all Game and Fish Commission-owned and managed lands, including 18 Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) and 43 Public Access Areas (PAAs). As drought conditions continue to affect much of Wyoming, recreationists should learn about fire restrictions at their intended destination before setting out. 

Prohibited activities during the fire ban include:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal or wood-burning stove.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Lighting fireworks (always prohibited on Commission-owned lands).

Important Notes:

• Gas grills may be used but must be accompanied by proper means of fire suppression.
• Welding, use of cutting torches and smoking must be conducted in areas cleared of flammable material with a radius of at least 10 feet and with proper fire suppression.
• All internal and external combustion engines, including ATVs and motorcycles, must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor.

Many Commission-owned properties are managed as winter range for big game and other wildlife. A fire on one of these properties could significantly impact the availability of forage for wildlife. Game and Fish encourages everyone using public lands to be vigilant stewards and recreate responsibly.

For information on current county fire restrictions, please visit the Wyoming State Forestry website. Additionally, recreationists should consult with local U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or other land management agency offices to learn about fire bans on those properties, as they may differ from county restrictions.

For more information about fire bans on Game and Fish lands, please contact the Jackson Region Game and Fish Office at (307) 733-2321 or the Pinedale Region Game and Fish Office at (307) 367-4352.