Light to moderate possibility for fire in early season

Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Chief Mark Collins reported this week that he received the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fuel and moisture analysis, which shows that there is light to moderate fire possibility in the area for May and June. Information for July and August will not be available until another analysis is done in June.

Collins said we’ve been fairly lucky here as we’ve had good moisture this month and the farmers are being very cautious with their burns. The department has responded to only three out of control burns so far this year.

Of course, we can’t control what Mother Nature does with regard to lightning strikes, Collins said. He advised if people are out and see a column of smoke in the distance, they should call it in. It could be a controlled burn, but you also might be helping to save structures, acreage, animals and people.

For those on public lands, the BLM offers some advice to prevent fires from breaking out or getting out of control.

Prior to departing on your summer adventure, please take a moment to check your tires and ensure they are properly maintained. One of the many causes of roadside fires is tire wires from the tread of vehicle tires.

If towing a boat or trailer, ensure your safety chains are properly secure and not dragging on the ground.

Never park your vehicle over dead grass and avoid driving through tall grass—your vehicle can ignite the fuels and start a fire.

All off-highway vehicles are required to have a Society of Automotive Engineers approved spark arrestor. Maintain your spark arrestor and keep it free of carbon buildup. Carry a shovel and fire extinguisher in your vehicle or off-road vehicle.

If using equipment to weld, grind or mow that could generate sparks, have firefighting equipment — shovels, rakes, water and garden hoses, and an ABC-rated fire extinguisher — available for use.

When camping on public lands, never leave your campfire unattended. Ensure your campfire is “dead” before leaving or turning in for the night. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Drown with water, stir and repeat until it’s cold.

If target shooting, please take all the proper precaution measures to be fire-safe—select an area that is free of flammable materials and bring a fire extinguisher or water to extinguish any flames. Exploding targets are one of the major causes of wildfires on public lands in Wyoming. Please take extra precaution if using exploding targets. Tracer ammunition is prohibited for use on all public lands in Wyoming.

In the event of a wildfire, while you may be curious or worried, avoid approaching to watch firefighting efforts. Firefighters must stop fighting fire when onlookers are in dangerous areas or vehicles have blocked road access to the fire. Most firefighting aircraft will not be able to drop water or retardant if you are in the area.

Firefighter and public safety are the top priorities in wildfire management. If you operate a drone, please remember that unauthorized UAS flights over or near a wildfire endanger the lives of pilots, firefighters and members of the public.

It’s a good idea to program the county dispatch phone number, 864-3114, in your cell phone contacts in case you ever need to report a fire, and you can always dial 911 to report a fire. Contact your local BLM office for more information.