BLM High Desert District prepared for coming fire season
by Bureau of Land Management
March 31, 2015
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) High Desert District (HDD) and its partners are working together to ensure they are ready for the 2015 fire season, which has already had 8 fires for over 1600 acres burnt. At lower elevations we have abundant dead grass and shrubs from last summer’s above average rain fall. Under our current warm dry conditions fires will burn and carry very quickly with little to know wind.
"We’ve met with county and local fire departments, the State of Wyoming Forestry Division and other federal agencies to coordinate wild fire responses and resources so that we’re prepared to protect the public at a moment’s notice," said Frank Keeler, High Desert District Fire Management Officer. "Each year, the district also signs formal operating plans with Teton, Sublette, Sweetwater, Fremont, Albany, Carbon, Unita, Lincoln and Laramie counties and fire districts to ensure seamless wild fire operations."
BLM Fire Management would like to ask the public to be aware of the elevated fire danger at this time and be proactive in preventing wild fires. No fire restrictions are in place at this time on BLM Public Lands, however, all outdoor users need to follow some common sense rules:
• No fire works on BLM Lands.
• Make sure camp fires are dead out.
• Travel and camp with a shovel, fire extinguisher and ample water.
• Ag burns on private lands, please ensure that your local authorities are aware and insure you have the ability to handle the amount of fire you put on the ground.
• Pay attention to wind speeds and wind direction before you lite.
• Sports shooting on public lands can and will start fires.
• Spark arresters on four wheelers/motorcycles etc. must be in working order, do not park your vehicle in tall grass that comes into contact with your vehicle’s exhaust system.
• Industry should have protective measures in place to limit fire ignitions, and report all wild fires promptly to 911 or 800-295-9953.
For more information, please contact Keeler at 307-352-0282.
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