Fire danger rating climbs to High as unattended campfires top 100
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
August 8, 2013
The Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park are in "High" fire danger of Tuesday, August 6. The potential for fire activity has increased due to dry vegetation combined with warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
A high fire danger rating means that fires can start easily and spread quickly. When determining fire danger ratings, fire managers use several indices such as: the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees; projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events); the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and the availability of firefighting resources across the country.
Several fires are burning in the Teton Interagency area, including the 401-acre Packer Creek Fire near Bondurant and other small, lightning fires in the forest and park. The 40-acre Snake Fire is burning along the boundary between the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Yellowstone National Park, approximately three miles east of Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Smoke is visible from much of Jackson Hole.
Recreationists are reminded to always ensure campfires are cold to the touch before leaving them. Campers should always come prepared with extra water if they plan on having a campfire, especially in dispersed campsites. Campers have abandoned 102 campfires on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and in Grand Teton National Park so far this summer. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires, and it is extremely important that all campfires are properly extinguished using water and dirt and stirring until no heat remains. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.
To report a fire or smoke, call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630. For more fire information, please visit the web at www.tetonfires.com, or follow GrandTetonNPS or BridgerTetonNF on Twitter.
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