DRIGGS, Idaho — Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) announced on Thursday, July 17, that fire danger has been elevated to “very high” across eastern Idaho forest lands.
The Forest Service reported that in just the past week, firefighters have responded to seven wildfires on the CTNF and 18 total fires across Eastern Idaho, burning nearly 4,000 acres. According to the Forest Service, half of these recent fires were human-caused and preventable.
“We’re now at National Preparedness Level 4, meaning firefighting resources are stretched thin nationwide,” CTNF wrote via Facebook. “With gusty winds, low humidity and dry lightning in the forecast for the weekend, it’s crucial that we all take fire safety seriously.”
The Forest Service recommends the following precautions to help prevent wildfires:
- Keep campfires small and in a fire ring
- Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it’s cold before leaving
- Check trailer chains to prevent sparks
- Don’t park on dry grass or drive off-road
- Use spark arrestors on off-highway vehicles
- Don’t set off fireworks or exploding targets on National Forest lands
“We need your help to prevent more wildfires,” the Forest Service wrote. “Let’s keep our firefighters available to respond where they’re needed most.”
Earlier this week, a Red Flag Warning was issued for all of southeastern Idaho and for a sliver of western Wyoming, meaning that critical fire weather conditions were expected. On June 24, Teton Interagency Fire elevated fire danger to “high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge.
