Fremont County firefighters have had a relatively busy week fighting grass fires.
Between Friday, March 15th and Thursday, March 21st departments were called out at least 9 times for grass, tree, or brush fires. Additionally, firefighters all across the county have also responded to assist controlled burns, smoke investigations, and personal injury accidents over the last week.
Below is a rundown of calls for grass fires only that we had released to us via a media list. It’s possible there were more that we are unaware of.
3/15 9:58 p.m. – Dubois and Crowheart Fire Departments to Highway 26 & Wind River Dr.
3/15 2:43 p.m. Morton-Kinnear Fire Department to River Bottom Road
3/15 5:00 p.m. Riverton Fire Department to Scarface Dr.
3/17 Morton-Kinnear Fire Department to River Bluffs Rd.
3/18 Morton-Kinnear Fire Department to Blue Sky Highway
3/19 12:09 p.m. Riverton Fire Department to Little Wind River Bottom Road
3/20 3:29 p.m. Dubois Fire Department and Morton-Kinnear Fire Department to Goldeneye Dr.
3/20 4:35 p.m. Riverton Fire Department to Gas Hills Rd.
3/21 1:40 p.m. Morton-Kinnear Fire Department to W. Pavillion Road
Luckily no injuries were reported in any of these incidents and the majority caused no damage to structures or property. With conditions beginning to dry out, residents are asked to keep a few things in mind:
- Monitor weather conditions during prescribed burns
- Always keep a close eye on burn barrels, bonfires, and prescribed burns
- Properly dispose of cigarettes/cigars
- Make sure that all fires, including campfires, are properly extinguished before leaving the area
- Avoid starting vehicles in high-brush and dry areas
- If towing a boat or trailer, ensure your safety chains are properly secure and not dragging on the ground
- If using equipment to weld, grind or mow that could generate sparks, have firefighting equipment—shovels, rakes, water and garden hoses, and an ABC-rated fire extinguisher—available for use
Moisture is in the forecast this weekend across Fremont County, but temperatures will gradually warm again next week. Local firefighters are warning of a potentially tough season ahead for wildfires.