Pile burns planned for Big Piney and Pinedale Ranger Districts
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
October 3, 2023
The Bridger-Teton National Forest plans to begin burning slash piles on the Big Piney and Pinedale Ranger Districts in early October and throughout the next few months as weather and fuels conditions allow.
These piles are located throughout both districts and are the product of the Forest Service hazardous fuels reduction program, which involves mechanical or hand thinning (removing trees to reduce forest density and improve forest health) and slash generated by timber sales, as well as other miscellaneous project work. Slash is the tree limbs, trunks/boles, and other material that is piled by forest personnel or contractors and left to cure. Most of the wood is of small diameter and the piles are designed to burn efficiently so that all material is completely consumed.
Pile burning in the fall is a safe way to remove hazardous fuels from the forest and reduce the potential for high intensity wildfires during the summer months, resulting in a safer response for wildland firefighters and protecting nearby communities.. Snow cover, fuel moisture, precipitation, wind, temperature, and available firefighter staffing are all taken into consideration before beginning a pile burn. Smoke, flames, and glowing embers are often visible, and are a normal part of pile burning operations. Snow and moist ground help contain the piles and firefighters patrol the area during and after the burn until piles are out.
For more information, call the Big Piney Ranger District at 307-276-3375 or the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-4326.
Learn more about the Bridger-Teton National Forest and its fire and fuels programs on our website at https://www.usda.gov/btnf/ or by following us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF or Twitter https://twitter.com/BridgerTetonNF
|
