Hot Temps, High Winds Today: Please Hold Off on Burning in Story and Sheridan County

Story, Wyoming – May 13, 2026

Neighbors, we’ve all been waiting for spring to finally feel like spring and with the Sheridan County fire ban lifted back in April, it’s tempting to finally tackle those yard clean-up piles or get the burn barrel going.

But today is not the day.

Forecasts are calling for hot temperatures and sustained high winds across Story and the surrounding areas. Even though the partial fire restrictions that were in place since late March have been removed, conditions like these can turn a small, controlled burn into a fast-moving wildfire in minutes.

Story sits right up against the Bighorn Mountains, where dry grass, pine needles, and gusty winds are a familiar combination. A spark carried on a 20- or 30-mile-per-hour gust can travel hundreds of yards before anyone even notices. We’ve seen it before, right here in our own backyards and none of us want to see it again.

Even with the ban lifted, caution is still the smartest move.

The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners and our local fire chiefs lifted restrictions because overall spring moisture had improved enough to allow careful open burning again. But “careful” doesn’t mean “automatic.” Today’s weather overrides that green light. Hot, dry air plus strong winds equals exactly the kind of day fire professionals warn us about.

What You Can Do Instead

• Pile your debris and wait for a calmer, cooler day—or better yet, a day with a chance of rain.

• Haul debris to the landfill. 

• Compost what you can.

• If you must burn for agricultural reasons, call your local fire district first and let them know your plans. They’re happy to help you do it safely when conditions allow.

A single phone call or a few extra days of waiting is a small price to pay to protect our homes, livestock, wildlife, and the beautiful mountains we all love.

If you see smoke or suspect an unattended fire, call 911 immediately. Our volunteer firefighters train year-round for exactly these situations, they’re ready, but they’d much rather stay home with their families today.

Let’s look out for each other the way Story always has. Skip the burn today. Enjoy the sunshine instead. When the winds die down and humidity comes back up, we’ll all get those piles taken care of, safely.