BLM and local services provide fireworks safety area
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WORLAND – In conjunction with the City of Worland, city police and fire departments, and the Washakie County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Land Management Worland Field Office is again making a temporary, local exception to the fireworks ban on public lands. The use of fireworks will be permitted at the gravel pit northwest of Worland from July 1-4.
"The first gravel pit along the road to the landfill is a good location because the area poses a low risk of wildland fire occurrence," stated BLM Worland Field Manager Mike Phillips.
Both BLM and Worland Fire personnel will be on hand to provide fire management, with crews on location from approximately 6:30 p.m. until midnight, Friday through Monday. Deputies from the sheriff's office will be making regular patrols of the area, as well.
"Shooting fireworks in town is an ordinance violation, and punishable by a fine," reminds Sheriff Steve Rakness, "So, the best place to go is really the gravel pit."
Worland Fire Chief Chris Kocher stressed that although the fireworks area will be open 24 hours a day until the Fourth, safety and cleanliness is vital even if safety personnel are not on-scene. "You need to remember to wait until you approach fireworks that don't go off, just in case, and please pick up your used fireworks to avoid accidents."
Kocher pointed out that dumpsters will be available for use over the holiday. "We need you to help us, to help you," said Kocher. "It's a really a great way for folks to enjoy the holiday and we would like to continue working with the city and BLM to keep it going."
Sarah Beckwith, with BLM public affairs, noted that portions of the gravel pit have been reseeded to re-establish vegetation, so please pay attention to the signs to avoid disturbing the new plant growth.
As an extra precaution during the holiday, the Wind River / Bighorn Basin District Fire Crew will staff engines in Worland, Cody and Lander to provide quick response in the event of any wildfires started by fireworks.
