Yellowstone National Park is implementing stricter fire guidelines due to the heightening fire danger in the park. Charcoal or wood fire campfires that may produce ash or embers are prohibited in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Portable gas stoves and lanterns are permitted only in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet. Smoking is prohibited in the backcountry and on all trails, except immediately adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area barren of all flammable material. In the front country of the park, there is no restriction on campfires in designated fire rings in developed campgrounds and day-use picnic areas. However, park officials emphasize that all campfires must be cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel the ashes, repeat as necessary. Smoking should be restricted to inside the car, within a 3-foot-diameter area that is barren or cleared of all flammable material, or inside a building where smoking is permitted.
Sublette County has also enacted fire restrictions that limit fires within that county. The Sublette County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to enact fire restrictions following the recommendations of Fire Chief Shad Cooper. The Sublette County Fire Restrictions prohibit all outdoor fires, incendiary devices, and the discharge of fireworks within the county. Exceptions to the fire ban include if the fire is within a cleared area at least 10’ in radius and a fire extinguisher is immediately available: campfires that are contained within an established fire ring; trash or refuse fires between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am within containers provided with spark arresters; charcoal fires within enclosed grills; acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders; and fire branding activities. The restrictions were enacted due to the current high fire danger, drought conditions, and continued hot, dry, and windy weather. Additionally, increased visitation and recreational use has led to several new fire starts in the neighboring areas. This increased fire activity has limited the number of available fire resources and personnel available to respond to new incidents in the county.
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