Fire bans, Red Flag warnings likely in BHC Horn County

As recently as Aug. 6, a fire ban was put into effect for Big Horn County.    According to BHC Fire Warden Brent Godfrey, the ban was for Tuesday only. It was based on a fire weather watch from the U.S. National Weather Service in Riverton. 

Controlled and open burn bans in the county were issued July 29-31 due to predicted weather and extreme dry conditions. 

Lighting strike is listed as the cause of several fires throughout Wyoming including the Haystack fire near Guernsey and the Shoshone National Forest fire between Cody and Yellowstone. 

Godfrey said that the fire risk in the county is still high due to low humidity, high temps and unpredictable winds. 

While the most recent fire ban was for one day only, people still need to be cautious before starting a control burn, campfire or barrel burn. Fires have also been started by chains dragging on the highway from vehicles. 

Before starting any fire, check on the websites/Facebook pages of the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. National Weather Service in Riverton. 

You can also call the sheriff’s office at 307-568-2324. 

No fire should be started without planning which includes calling the sheriff’s office, proper tools including shovels, gloves and a nearby water source. Godfrey said that water source can be as simple as a sprayer or bucket filled with water.