Fire Protection District sets open burning restrictions effective June 25

WESTON COUNTY – Due to a potentially severe to extreme fire situation throughout Weston County, created by a heavy fuel load and dry summer conditions, which could create situations that over-extend the firefighting capability of local government the Open Burning Restrictions will take effect June 25, 2020.

The discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires are prohibited in the unincorporated area of Weston County except as provided below:

(i) Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., inside containers provided with a spark arrester and located within a cleared area ten feet in radius and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site, are permitted.

(ii) Attended campfires contained within an established fire ring, no larger than three feet in radius, and located within a cleared area ten feet in radius and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site, are permitted.

(iii) Charcoal fires within enclosed grills located within a cleared area ten feet in radius and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site, are permitted.

(iv) Use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders in cleared areas ten feet in radius, and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site, are permitted.

(v) Propane or open fire branding activities, in cleared areas ten feet in radius, and a shovel and fire suppression means are present at site, are permitted.

(vi) Internal or external combustion engines including chainsaws, ATVs and motorcycles shall have approved spark arrestors.

(vii) Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty is exempted.

(viii) The listed exceptions set forth in Wyoming Statue 35-10-204.

(ix) By a permit granted by the Weston County Commissioners for public display.

(x) These restrictions do not include the areas within incorporated cities and towns in Weston County or federal and state lands, as these entities may impose more or less restrictive regulations.

Any violation of the Open Burning Restrictions may be in violation of W.S. 35-9-304 punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to a $100.00 fine or both together with possible restitution for the cost of fire suppression and damages to others. The County Fire Warden may temporarily lift or re-impose these Open Burning Restrictions. For the latest status on the restrictions visit facebook.com/westoncountyfire