Fire restrictions are in effect for Lincoln County but that has not stopped several individuals from lighting fires which has necessitated a response from area firefighters. Officials remind area residents and visitors that there is a county-wide fire restriction which was put in place last week. The Afton Volunteer Fire Department was called out twice on Thursday for fire-related incidents, one of which was next to last year’s Willow Creek Fire, which burned more than 4,000 acres on the south end of the valley. Fire crews from Alpine and Thayne were also called into service this week with Alpine putting out a grass fire on a slope near town.

Fireworks are completely banned in the county with no usage allowed.

RELATED: LINCOLN COUNTY IMPLEMENTS STAGE ONE FIRE RESTRICTIONS – 

Many activities remain permitted, provided they are contained and managed to reduce sparks and fire spread. Campfires in established fire rings, charcoal use in enclosed grills, and the use of tools such as acetylene torches and arc welders in cleared areas are still allowed.

Garbage burning is also permitted under specific conditions. Residents may burn trash between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. if it is covered with a crate to limit ash and sparks. The restrictions are aimed at higher-risk situations, particularly large debris burns that can quickly get out of control.

If fire conditions worsen, the county has the option to escalate to Stage 2 restrictions, which would significantly limit nearly all burning and could include additional permit-based closures. Fire Warden, Kelly Hoffman, said that level is rarely implemented in Lincoln County.

County fire restrictions were recommended Hoffman which were put in place by the Lincoln County Commissioners. The restrictions went into effect on July 14.