Bighorn National Forest May Implement Fire Restrictions

Because of the recent hot, dry weather, the Bighorn National Forest is evaluating whether or not to implement fire restrictions.
The current fire danger is rated as Very High to Extreme – however, the weather is predicted to be more moderate this week. And according to Forest Supervisor Andrew Johnson, a main factor to consider in implementing fire restrictions is the public’s compliance with extinguishing their campfires.
The Forest has had two incidents of abandoned campfires starting wildfires this season, one as recent as last Friday night near Meadowlark Lake. The Forest is requesting recreationists to fully extinguish campfires with water until cold to the touch, and to never leave active campfires without someone attending it.
Should additional incidents of abandoned campfires occur, or no significant rainfall occur, Forest managers say they will need to implement restrictions that forbid campfire use outside of designated campgrounds.