Sheridan, WY November 17, 2025— Bighorn National Forest staff are planning pile burning operations this fall and winter into 2026, pending required approvals and weather conditions. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Pile burning areas include:
· Burgess Junction area on the Tongue Ranger District
· Big Goose area on the Tongue Ranger District
· Lynx Park and sites along Highway 16 on the Powder River Ranger District
· Antelope Butte Ski area on the Medicine Wheel Ranger District
· Crater Ridge area on the Medicine Wheel Ranger District
Residents may experience smoke during planned burning. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website and social media channels. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.