NIOBRARA COUNTY – The Niobrara County Commissioners convened for a special meeting Monday afternoon, June 21. During the meeting, the commissioners adopted Resolution 21-07, “a resolution imposing a partial fire ban in the unincorporated areas of Niobrara County.”

According to the resolution, “a potentially severe to extreme fire situation could exist throughout Niobrara County, created by high temperatures, dry vegetation, and decreased humidity, which could create situations that over-extended the firefighting capability of local government.”

The following restrictions shall apply to “all lands within Niobrara County, excluding federal lands:

That this is a partial closure, discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires are prohibited in unimproved areas, defined as cropland, agricultural land, and undeveloped land, which predominantly remains in its natural forested or range condition, except as provided below:

I. Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., inside containers provided with spark arrestor and located within a cleared area ten feet in radius, are permitted.

II. Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.

III. Use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders in cleared areas ten feet in radius is permitted.

IV. Propane or open fire branding activities in cleared areas ten feet in radius are permitted. 

V. Use of chainsaws provided that the chainsaws have spark arrestors properly installed and functioning.

VI. Federal, State, local fire or law enforcement officers participating in fire, emergency and law enforcement activities.

VII. The burning of the covered wagon and “Rawhide” sign during the Legend of the Rawhide Performances being held at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds on July 9 and 10, 2021.

VIII. Public or privately sponsored fireworks display, which are coordinated with the Niobrara County Fire Warden or his designee. And the penalties, pursuant to W.S. §35-9-304, are punishable by up to a $100.00 fine, thirty (30) days in the Niobrara County Jail, or both, may be imposed for violation of this Resolution.”

The resolution will be in effect June 21, 2021, and will remain in effect until Oct. 15, 2021, unless the Board of Commissioners chooses to amend or rescind the order.

A copy of the fire ban resolution is available online at luskherald.com/article/partial-fire-ban-issued-by-commissioners.