FRIDAY, September 25, 2026|
Photo – Sierra Madre Range in Medicine Bow National Forest – Bigfoot99 file photo
The U.S. Forest Service will rescind all fire restrictions in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, effective Monday, September 28th.
Due to high winds and a lack of moisture, the John Routt National Forest was put into Stage 1 fire restrictions on June 19th. The Medicine Bow National Forest and the Thunder Basin National Grassland followed suit a month later, on July 24th.
In a media statement, U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer Aaron Voos wrote that the fire restrictions will be lifted because fuel moisture has improved and forecasts indicate a lower risk of wildfire. However, he added that many areas across the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland remain in drought conditions despite the recent rainfall.
According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, a band of extreme drought is running from the northern edge of Carbon County, extending east through parts of Natrona and Converse counties. The rest of Carbon County remains in severe drought conditions, with only portions of the west side of the county experiencing higher rainfall.
For more information about drought conditions in a specific area, call the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger Station in Saratoga at 326-5258.
