Basin grass fire spreads quickly

A man-made fire grew to an estimated 160-acres between Basin and Otto on Monday. Basin Volunteer Fire Department was called out to Greybull River Road near the intersection with Highway 30 around 3:30 p.m., soon joined by Burlington, Greybull, Manderson and Worland fire departments. 

The fire started via a controlled burn and blazed into a grass fire, largely staying on the landowner’s property, traveling down the river bottom. Crews were able to subdue the flames by 9:30 p.m.

“Thank you to all of the fire departments that stopped by to help,” Godfrey said. 

It is required to call in controlled burns to Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office at 307-568-2324. Dispatch is able to inform callers of potential burn bans and hazardous conditions. When starting a fire, it is always recommended to have a way to put it out handy and stay nearby until it has been extinguished. Accidental fires can be avoided by ensuring the ground around burn barrels and welding areas is cleared of vegetation.