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Sheridan County adopts partial fire restrictions after 151-acre gun-club blaze
Summary
County fire warden told commissioners a 151-acre fire that began at the gun club prompted partial fire restrictions that ban open/ditch burning, allow small backyard fires with a 15-foot cleared perimeter, and require notification for controlled burns; the board approved the resolution by voice vote.
Sheridan County adopted partial fire restrictions after a recent 151-acre wildfire that began at the county gun club and burned across county, National Guard and private land.
Chris Thomas, the county fire warden, told commissioners the fire’s origin at the gun club and the county’s dry conditions prompted a cautionary approach. “That fire did start on county property out at the gun club,” Thomas said, and he recommended restrictions “very similar to last year” with only date changes. Under the adopted resolution, open burning and ditch burning are restricted; small backyard ‘‘marshmallow’’ fires are permitted provided a 15-foot area of nonflammable material surrounds them. Controlled-burn activity should be coordinated with local fire districts, Thomas said.
Commissioners discussed possible exemptions and a proposal under consideration that would let fire districts approve individual burns during restrictions; Thomas said that proposal was new and not being applied this round. The board clarified the final resolution numbering and authorized the chair to sign the document. The motion to adopt the partial fire restrictions carried by voice vote.
The county said it will lift restrictions once green-up and spring moisture are sufficient; Thomas expressed hope restrictions would be removed before Flag Day and Independence Day. The county fire warden also asked for follow-up action to work with the gun club on a prevention plan to reduce the chance of similar incidents in future.
