Delegation of Authority for Open Burning Restrictions
RESOLUTION 769
WHEREAS, the Board of Johnson County Commissioners, pursuant to W.S. 35-9-301 through W.S. 35-9-304, has the authority to limit open burning on recommendation of the County Fire Warden; and
WHEREAS, the Johnson County Fire Warden has real time in formation and updates to fire danger in Johnson County and surrounding areas;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Johnson County Commissioners delegates authority to the Johnson County Fire Warden to establish the start and end date of all future fire restrictions based on threat assessment of environmental conditions. This authority will enable the Fire Warden to act in expert capacity to expedite open burning restrictions which warrant an immediate change rather than delayed for a meeting of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners.
1. It will be the responsibility of the Fire Warden of Johnson County to coordinate dissemination of open burning status to the following agencies/individuals:
a. Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
b. Johnson County Emergency Management
c. Buffalo Police Department
2. This authority includes the period designated for the sale and use of fireworks by approved vendors.
a. Restricted Activities:
i. Open Fires — All open fires are prohibited except asset out in this paragraph. An open fire is any outdoor fire, including but not limited to: campfire, warming fires, bonfires, firepits, or the prescribed burning of fence rows, fields, wildlands, trash and debris. Between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 am, the burning of trash and debris inside containers provided with spark arrester and located within a cleared area ten feet inradius is allowed.
ii. Fireworks — The use of fireworks are prohibited except as expressly allowed by the County Fire Warden.
iii. Explosives— The use of tracer or steel-core ammunition, exploding targets, or electronicor traditional fuses or sparks to ignite explosive material, such as for rockets, cannons, or mortars.
iv. Disposal— Disposal of any burning object outdoors, including without limitation any cigarette, cigar, or match.
v. Chainsaws — Operation of a chainsaw is prohibited unless the chainsaw has a properly installed spark arrester.
vi. Commercial and Industrial Operations — Blasting, grinding, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame unless used in cleared areas with a minimum of a ten-foot radius.
vii. Grills, Stoves, and Smokers — The use of grills and smokers is allowed in an improved area regardless of fuel type. Only gas grills are allowed in unimproved areas.
viii. Restrictions will be enforced throughout the boundaries of Johnson County
b. Exceptions:
i. Federal, state, and local fire or law enforcement officers participating in fire,
emergency and law enforcement activities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that penalties provided in Wyoming Statue 35-9-304 may be imposed for violation of this resolution; specifically, a fine not to exceed one hundred “$100.00”
dollars or imprisonment not to exceed thirty “30” days or both to which may be added costs of restitution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution becomes effective immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as it may be amended or rescinded by the Board of County Commissioners.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution rescinds and supersedes Resolution 710, dated August 1, 2023.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of June, 2026.
