High Wind Warning Hits Story: Volunteer Fire Department Urges "No Burning" to Keep Our Community Safe

As the sun sets on another crisp Wyoming evening, Mother Nature is gearing up to remind us just how wild she can be. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Sheridan County including right here in Story effective from 11:00 PM tonight through 8:00 PM tomorrow night (Tuesday, February 17).

We're talking sustained winds of 30-45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. That's the kind of blow that rattles windows, rocks trucks on the highway, and, more importantly, turns a spark into a nightmare.

A Direct Message from the Story Volunteer Fire Department

Our dedicated Story Volunteer Fire Department is sounding the alarm loud and clear: Please, do not burn anything for the next couple of days.

Why? These high winds aren't just inconvenient, they're catastrophic for fire. Dry conditions, low humidity, and those roaring gusts mean even a small backyard burn, a pile of leaves, or a campfire could explode into something uncontrollable in seconds. We've seen it before in these foothills, and with the Bighorn Mountains at our back, we can't afford to take chances.

And it's not just fire. Those same winds are prime for bringing down trees and branches, snapping power lines, and creating all sorts of hazards on our roads and properties.

What You Can Do to Help

• Skip the burn: No campfires, no debris burning, no fire pits. Let's keep the flames indoors where they belong.

• Secure your space: Tie down trampolines, patio furniture, and anything that could become a flying missile.

• Watch for trees: If you're out and about, steer clear of tall pines and cottonwoods—they're vulnerable right now.

• Stay informed: Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service (weather.gov) and our local sheriff's office. Power outages are possible, so charge those phones and have a backup plan.

The Story Volunteer Fire & Rescue team those incredible folks who train year-round for everything from wildland fires to vehicle rescues are on standby, ready to protect us all. But they need our help to make their job a little easier.

This is what makes Story special: We're a tight-knit bunch who look out for each other. By heeding this warning, we're not just protecting our homes, we're honoring the volunteers who keep us safe every day.

Stay warm, stay safe, and let's ride out these winds together. If you see something concerning, don't hesitate to reach out to the fire department.

For more on Story Fire & Rescue, visit their page here.