Forest gets fire restrictions

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced, as of July 11, all forest service controlled lands in the Medicine Bow National Forest in Carbon and Albany counties have been placed on stage 1 fire restrictions.

According to a news release by the USFS, the land was placed on burn restriction because dry, warm weather and conditions with a strong potential for wildfire are predicted to persist. The restrictions are necessary to protect public health and safety, according to the USFS.

The restrictions include the area around the Keystone Fire, and all USFS lands in Albany and Carbon County. Lands in Converse, Natrona and Platte counties are not affected by the burning restriction.

Under a stage 1 fire restriction, campfires are restricted to approved fire pits within developed recreation sites, and camp stoves and gas or liquid-fueled lanterns are approved for use (for other restrictions see sidebar).

Violation of the restrictions is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for individuals, the release said.

Additionally, anyone who starts a fire willfully or by act of negligence could be liable for the cost of fighting the fire.

The USFS will continue to monitor the situation and assess the need for further restrictions if weather continues to remain hot and dry, or reduced restrictions if weather becomes wetter.

The restrictions announced July 11 will be in place until further notice, the USFS said in the release.