Open fires banned on Game and Fish lands in Albany County, drought risk rises

Open fires are now banned on Wyoming Game and Fish Commission lands in Albany County and three neighboring counties, a move aimed at cutting wildfire risk as dry conditions persist across Southeast Wyoming. The restriction took effect immediately on April 1 and covers all Game and Fish-owned and administered lands in Albany, Goshen, Laramie and Platte counties.

For Albany County residents headed west of Laramie, into the Snowy Range, or onto Game and Fish properties near the county line, the ban reaches deep into daily recreation. It applies to 11 Wildlife Habitat Management Areas and 28 Public Access Areas, meaning hunters, anglers, campers and anyone else using those lands must leave campfires and open flame equipment at home.

The list of prohibited activity is broad. No one may build, maintain, attend or use any fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal stove or wood-burning stove on the affected lands. Fireworks are barred outright. Smoking is allowed only inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or in places cleared of flammable material at least three feet across.

Some equipment remains allowed only with caution. Gas grills may be used only if proper fire suppression is nearby. Welding and cutting torches must be used in areas cleared of flammable material for at least 10 feet in every direction and with proper suppression tools on hand. ATVs, motorcycles and other internal and external combustion engines must have approved spark arrestors.

Game and Fish said the ban was meant to prevent more than a nuisance. Fire can cause erosion, reduce water quality and spread invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass, which have become a major habitat threat statewide. Many of the commission’s lands are managed as winter range for big game and other wildlife, and a fire can sharply reduce the forage those animals need.

The caution fits a larger pattern. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s April 7 map still showed Wyoming in dry to drought conditions, and its Wyoming examples note that even D1 drought can bring elevated fire danger and firework restrictions. Goshen County also put Stage 1 fire restrictions into effect April 8 at 8:00 a.m., citing lack of spring and early summer moisture and high to extreme fire danger.

Game and Fish said people using federal ground should check local U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other land managers, since those restrictions may differ from county rules. Questions can be directed to the Laramie Region office at (307) 745-4046.