Fire restrictions upgraded

Fire Warden Charlie Harrison and the Crook County Commissioners have made the decision to upgrade the county fire restrictions to stage two.

At this time, the fire situation throughout the county is considered to be severe to extreme due to a heavy fuel load and dry conditions.

This could create situations that over-extend the firefighting capacity of local government.

“The situation dictates that,” commented Commissioner Fred Devish last week, noting that it doesn’t seem as though the conditions are set to change any time soon.

Shawn Cochran, Bearlodge Ranger District, stated that the Forest Service is considering the same move. The conditions on the Forest are about as bad as they were in 2012, he said, but so far luck has held and no large fires have ignited.

Stage two fire restrictions prohibit fireworks, campfires, trash fires, charcoal fires within enclosed grills, the use of acetylene cutting torches, electric arc welders or metal grinding and the use of portable stoves, gas lanterns, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel, fully enclosed stoves and open fire branding activities.

Only devices that use pressurized liquid or gas and include shut-off valves are permitted, and these must be used in an area at least three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.

The ban applies to the unincorporated areas of the county, not including federal land.

Any violation of the restrictions is punishable as a misdemeanor by up to 30 days in jail, a $100 fine or both.