Medicine Bow Enters Type II Fire Restrictions

Due to record high temperatures, exceptionally dry conditions and no forecasted relief from the weather, fire restrictions have been elevated to Stage II across the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB). Medicine Bow National Forest spokesman Larry Sandoval says the decision was made in coordination with multiple agencies at the federal, state and local level.Stage II fire restrictions mean the following acts are prohibited until further notice:

• Building or using an open fire, campfire, stove fire or charcoal grill.  Exceptions are for using petroleum fueled stoves, grills, or lanterns in areas that have been cleared of all vegetation for three feet on all sides;
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building;
• Possessing or using fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, including tracer ammunition;
• Using explosives, including targets that could explode;
• Using any internal or external combustion engine (e.g. chainsaws) without a properly working spark arrester;
• Possessing or using a vehicle off road, except when parking in areas cleared of vegetation and as allowed on the applicable Motor Vehicle Use Map;
• Welding, or operating an acetylene or torch with open flame.

Violation of these regulations is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both.  Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.