Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

USDA Forest Service
Medicine Bow-Routt
National Forests,
Thunder Basin
National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-2300

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
307-745-2307

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Rocky Mountain Region
Medicine Bow & Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland

Contact:

Diann Ritschard, 970-870-2187

Fire restrictions in place on Thunder Basin National Grassland

and Laramie Peak Unit

(Douglas Wyo., June 22, 2006) – Fire restrictions are in effect on the Thunder Basin National Grassland as of June 21, 2006. The restrictions are necessary to protect public health and safety due to the high fire danger.

“It's hot, dry and windy on both the grasslands and the Laramie Peak Unit,” said District Ranger Bob Sprentall. “We haven't had hardly any moisture and there's none in the forecast.” Sprentall said the grass and other vegetation is dry and extremely flammable.

The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice.

•  Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to charcoal grills, hibachis and coal or wood burning stoves.

•  Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

EXCEPTIONS: Campfires are permitted in Forest Service developed campgrounds and picnic grounds and only in Forest Service provided fire grates and grills. Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed on all National Forest Service lands, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter's specifications for safety.

Violating fire restrictions on federal lands could result in a fine of $5,000 and six months in jail. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.

For more information call the Douglas Ranger District at 307-358-4690 or visit the website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr.

 

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Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Thunder Basin National Grassland

2468 Jackson Street, Wyoming 82070-6535

www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr