CHEYENNE — As fire and hunting seasons converge in Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges hunters to exercise extreme caution with campfires and to stay out of active and recently burned areas. 

The National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 4 due to scarce firefighting resources and a combination of elevated temperatures and lack of precipitation, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. Fire bans and restrictions are currently in place in areas throughout Wyoming.

Hunters are encouraged to stay away from active burn areas for their own safety and the safety of firefighters. A fire that starts and burns through the fall can significantly affect hunting access, and to prevent these impacts land management agencies may institute fire bans or restrictions. A map of Game and Fish hunt areas as well as current wildfire activity is available on the Game and Fish website, along with regional information as it is available.

To ensure you have a safe season, please follow these fire prevention efforts:

• Check for restrictions: Before camping, check with the land management agency (U.S. Forest Service, BLM, State Land) to see if there are any fire bans or restrictions in place.
• Extinguish completely: Never leave a campfire unattended. Drown fires with plenty of water and dirt, stir the ashes and ensure all remnants are cold to the touch before leaving.
• Clear the area: Clear the ground of all flammable materials and avoid building a fire under or at the base of a tree. Fire can burn into roots and smolder for days.
• Use caution: If it is windy, do not start a warming fire. Use several gallons of water to fully extinguish fires, not just a water bottle and remember to keep your chains from dragging on the ground while driving.

Those who violate fire restrictions or whose campfire causes a wildfire can be subject to fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment up to six months, or both. The responsible party can be charged the costs of extinguishing the fire. Current fire restrictions on Game and Fish land can be found on our fire ban webpage.

-WGFD-