Fire department prepares for wildland fire season

We’ve had more than our fair share of moisture in the past few weeks, and with that moisture things are really starting to grow — including those grasses which can easily ignite.

Firefighter John Fish said, “Our fuels are incredibly high, and thick.” Fuels are those weeds, grasses and “cheat” grasses that can later dry out and become easily combustible.

With Independence Day rapidly approaching, Firefighter Forrest Coleman-Weisz said people need to make sure they are careful when setting off fireworks, ensuring the places where they are setting them off are safe and they have a source of fire extinguishing on-hand.

Under the Town Code, sale of fireworks shall be allowed by an approved retailer who has obtained a transient business license from the Town Clerk within the corporate limits of the Town of Thermopolis. Permits shall be for a period not exceeding 14 days cumulatively before and after the July 4 holiday.

As for setting off fireworks, it is unlawful for any person to detonate, discharge or use fireworks within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Thermopolis and within a half-mile outside the town.

However, the code also provides that the governing body of the town may designate an area within the boundaries of the town for persons to detonate fireworks and may designate such place with dates and hours for which persons may detonate fireworks. The governing body has the discretion to designate or not designate a place from year to year. Detonation, use or discharge of fireworks by minors shall be under adult supervision and any person participating in such activity shall assume risk and responsibility for injury to themselves or others, or damage to property of themselves and others.