DRIGGS, Idaho — Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 8, that fire crews have begun prescribed fire operations in several areas on the Teton Basin Ranger District and Palisades Ranger District.
In September, crews began controlled burns in regions west of Victor. According to CTNF, favorable weather conditions now allow for the hazardous fuels reduction work. The agency estimates that the work will continue in December, as weather conditions allow.
“We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires,” CTNF wrote via Facebook.
Pile burns planned for the area include:
- Flatiron: four miles south of Swan Valley
- South Valley Boundary: north of Pine Creek Pass along forest boundary, along Grove and Drake trails and behind the Grove Creek Subdivision
- Mike Harris Recreation Area: along the South Valley bike trails
- Teton Canyon: within Teton Canyon Campground
CTNF will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities could be canceled. Local county fire and sheriff’s departments will be notified when burning begins.
Watch for warning signs along roads and trails near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. Residents could experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on headlights if there is smoke on the road.
