Yes, owning a flamethrower in Wyoming is legal without state-level restrictions, as no Wyoming statute explicitly bans portable flame devices. Local ordinances, however, may impose additional controls, particularly in urban jurisdictions like Cheyenne or Jackson. Federal regulations under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) classify flamethrowers as novelty items, exempt from NFA restrictions, but compliance with local fire safety codes remains mandatory.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Wyoming
- Local Fire Code Compliance: Municipalities such as Laramie and Casper enforce fire safety ordinances requiring permits for open-flame devices, with inspections by local fire marshals. Violations may result in fines or confiscation under Wyo. Stat. § 35-9-101.
- Public Use Restrictions: State parks and BLM lands prohibit flamethrower use without prior authorization from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or Bureau of Land Management, per Wyo. Admin. Rules Ch. 10 § 2.
- Environmental and Agricultural Exemptions: Agricultural flamethrowers (e.g., for pest control) are regulated by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture under Wyo. Stat. § 11-2-101, mandating adherence to EPA guidelines for emissions.
Recent 2026 legislative shifts, such as House Bill 124, propose stricter liability frameworks for flame-related incidents, potentially requiring liability insurance for owners. Consult the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s 2025 Fire Prevention Guide for updated local amendments. Always verify county-specific rules, as Teton County’s 2024 ordinance bans flamethrowers in residential zones.