Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management has imposed Stage 1 fire restrictions on bureau-managed lands throughout the Big Horn Basin.

“These fire restrictions are a result of our continued coordinated relationships with our fellow wildfire cooperators,” BLM Fire Management Officer Rich Zimmerlee said Friday, as the restrictions took effect.

Meanwhile, with Bighorn National Forest fire danger classified as “very high” amid hot and dry weather, lightning and a high number of abandoned campfires, forest managers are also instituting Stage 1 fire restrictions. They’re aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire.

According to Bighorn fire management officer Jon Warder, “timber fuels are capable of supporting a large fire, and a lack of firefighting resources is occurring due to other ongoing fires.”

Continuing until further notice, the following activities are prohibited under the Stage 1 rules:

• Fires must be within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a quarter-inch spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas. Standard barbecues and grills are not allowed.

• No smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

• Chainsaws must have an approved spark arrester properly installed and working and the user must have a a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity and one round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.

• Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame — except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.

These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions, which prohibit:

• Discharging or using any fireworks or explosives.

• Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.

• Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester.

“It is important we all do our part to prevent unnecessary risks of wildfire starts. Failure to comply with fire restrictions on federal lands is punishable by law,” the BLM said in a release. “Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs for suppressing the fire.”

Violations of the restrictions are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine and/or six months in prison, the Forest Service said.

Bighorn National Forest managers said they appreciate the public’s patience and support while the restrictions are in effect.

“Unintended wildfires lead to loss of forest resources, threats to public and private property, as well as risks to the public and firefighters,” they said in a release. Forest users are asked to be vigilant and observe fire and smoking restrictions.

For more information, contact the Bighorn National Forest’s Powder River Ranger District in Buffalo at 307-684-7806, the Tongue Ranger District in Sheridan at 307-674-2600 or the Medicine Wheel Ranger District in Greybull at 307-765-4435 — or visit www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn.

For more information on BLM fire restrictions or conditions, visit www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/wyoming/fire or contact Zimmerlee at 307-921-2381.