Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fremont County adopts fire restrictions starting June 29 after 4–1 vote
Summary
The Fremont County Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-18 to impose countywide fire restrictions beginning June 29, 2026 at 12:01 a.m., citing an increase in ignition starts and unusually dry conditions; the measure passed 4–1. The restrictions align with anticipated BLM and USFS actions.
The Fremont County Commissioners voted 4–1 on June 23 to adopt Resolution 2026-18, establishing countywide fire restrictions that take effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 29, 2026.
Fire District Chief Ron Wempen told the board he recommended restrictions after an increase in ignition starts over the prior two weeks and described fire behavior as "unprecedented" in his 39-year career. Wempen said recent structure fires were caused by smoking debris and worsened by dry conditions; he also noted the Bureau of Indian Affairs has been under restrictions since March, the Bureau of Land Management planned restrictions beginning June 29, and the U.S. Forest Service might follow within 30 days.
The measure was introduced by Commissioner Michael Jones and seconded by Commissioner Jennifer Wilson. Commissioners Larry Allen, Michael Jones, Clarence Thomas and Jennifer Wilson voted aye; Commissioner Ron Fabrizius voted nay. The motion carried.
County staff presented a draft resolution that aligns county restrictions with adjacent federal land-management agencies; the board adopted the resolution as written. The resolution sets the effective start date and includes further regulations described in the document (not reproduced here). According to the board discussion, beginning June 29 is intended to harmonize county rules with the Bureau of Land Management’s planned restriction date.
County officials said the restrictions respond to observable changes in local fire activity and dry fuel conditions and are intended to reduce ignition sources over the high-risk holiday period and beyond. The board did not amend the draft; the resolution was approved as presented and will take effect on the date specified.
The county’s next regular meeting is scheduled June 30, 2026, and county staff said details about enforcement and the full resolution text are available via the county website and the meeting record.
