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WORLAND – The Washakie County Commission heard from Washakie County Fire Warden Chris Kocher on Tuesday, to consider a proposal to issue a burn restriction from August 18 until August 23, to coincide with an influx of state visitors to view the eclipse event on Aug. 21.

“There will be an unknown amount of people around and an unknown amounts of emergency events [during the eclipse],” said Kocher, outlining his reasons for requesting the temporary ban. “There is definitely the potential for increased accidents during the eclipse.”

“The potential for our emergency services to be overburdened is great,” agreed Councilman Fred Frandson.

Presenting a brief outline to the commission, Kocher suggested that agricultural burning be suspended for the five-day period, along with any pit or ground burning of refuse.

“Burn barrels are really the only safe alternative,” noted Kocher, “with a metal grate on top to stop the spread of embers.” Kocher also suggested ag producers to disc around any potential burn areas to prevent spreading fire.

With the expected draw of up to 500,000 visitors to the state, Commissioner Aaron Anderson noted that he was personally more concerned with recreational fires than agriculture producers burning fields.

“I would be more concerned with some Joe Blo from out of state starting a campfire while they are here for the eclipse, than a farmer. Most of the farmers already know the rules,” said Anderson.

Kocher agreed, and noted that area farmers are good about contacting the fire department before burning, but noted that recreational fires are already restricted to campsites with approved pits.

“It’s already illegal to burn on state and BLM land, so they are looking at a citation if they do,” noted Kocher.

The commission agreed to draft a resolution addressing the matter for the Aug. 15 meeting, and encouraged people to attend to express their opinion. The meeting will be advertised and any changes will be posted for the public.

The commission and Kocher also recommended that agriculture producers do their burning before Aug. 15, in case the ban is enacted by resolution.

During an otherwise empty agenda with the exception of approving vouchers, the commission heard from Washakie Medical Center Board member Gil McEndree, regarding the reinstatement of bond monies to finish additional projects at the hospital.

Originally, the board had voted to drop some projects during the construction of the new addition as a cost-saving measure, but found that some expenditures still need to be made, including adding 40 feet of hallway space.

The commission agreed that the ultimate decision was with the hospital board, and they would hear their recommendation after the board makes a decision to reinstate the funding.

In other business, Road and Bridge Manager Randy Chenoweth agreed to work with the Worland Fire Department to conduct a controlled burn along the Worland bike path to eliminate “goat head” weeds.