LARAMIE – 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 Albany, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties effective immediately.

These closures apply to all Game and Fish Commission-owned and managed lands, including 11 Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) and 28 Public Access Areas (PAAs). As drought conditions continue to affect much of Wyoming, recreationists should learn about fire restrictions at their intended destination prior to setting afield. 

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 approved spark arrestors.

Several parts of southeast Wyoming are still recovering from fires. They have caused long-term effects to the landscape including erosion, decreased water quality and the spread of invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass. 

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 regarding this fire ban, please contact the Laramie Region Game and Fish Office at (307) 745-4046.

-WGFD-