Fire Restrictions to Begin on Shoshone NF
Cody Wyo., August 13, 2025—Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect across the Shoshone National Forest beginning at 8:00 am a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15th, 2025. The fire danger rating for the forest is “very high,” meaning a fire may start easily, spread rapidly and burn intensely.
Fire managers use a variety of factors to determine when fire restrictions need to be applied to public lands, including the moisture content of fuels (how dry grasses, shrubs and trees are); projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events); the availability of firefighting resources nationwide; and the occurrence of human-caused fires.
"Moisture in large dead and downed trees is very low and the weather is predicted to continue to be hot and dry. So, in order to reduce the probability of wildfire, I'm asking the public for your support and adherence to fire restrictions that go into effect on Friday” said Shoshone National Forest Supervisor Ken Coffin.
The following stage 1 fire restrictions apply to the Shoshone National Forest:
-Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas).
A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
-Possessing or using an exploding target.
-Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
-Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
Violations of these prohibitions are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
What you can do During times of elevated fire danger and fire restrictions, the safest option is to not build a campfire at all. Dress warmly and use layers instead of relying on a campfire for warmth. If you choose to have a campfire where it’s allowed:
• Never leave a campfire unattended or abandoned.
• Have a shovel and water bucket on hand.
• Use several gallons of water to fully extinguish your campfire.
• Drown, stir, feel and repeat until the ashes are cold to the touch.
• Break up charred logs and cover all remains with dirt.
Other considerations
• Do not park on tall grass as that grass can ignite when in contact with a hot vehicle.
• If pulling a trailer, ensure your chains are clear of the ground as small sparks could start roadside fires.
• If you come across an abandoned campfire and it is within your power, please put it out and contact Cody Interagency Dispatch to report its location
To report smoke or a fire, call the Cody Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-578-5740.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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