JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) is planning prescribed fire operations for late September and early October to reduce the potential spread of wildfires to local communities.
According to BTNF, prescribed fires help to protect infrastructure and natural resources by removing overgrown vegetation. Fire treatments also enhance animal habitats by regenerating aspen stands, reinvigorating native plants and wildflowers and maintaining grassland meadows in big-game winter range, year-round habitat and migration routes.
The prescribed fires are planned for the Upper Gros Ventre region, in the area of Slate Creek, about 25 miles northeast of Jackson. The work will encompass approximately 557 acres.
BTNF said via press release that favorable weather conditions are currently in place for the hazardous fuels reduction work. The work could continue through the fall as weather conditions allow. Weather conditions will be evaluated hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities could be canceled.
No area closures are expected with these operations, but fire personnel might pause traffic intermittently for public safety, per BTNF. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Residents could experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Visit AirNow for more detailed information about air quality. When driving, slow down and turn on headlights when encountering smoke on the road.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest also began prescribed fire operations on Sept. 18, on the Teton Basin Ranger District.
Information about the scheduled prescribed fires can be found on InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.
