JACKSON, Wyo. — The fire danger is now “high” for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, according to an interagency release this afternoon.
Yellowstone National Park increased the fire danger to very high this afternoon.
A high fire danger rating means fires can start easily and spread quickly,” the release states. “When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators 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 availability of firefighting resources across the country.
While no restrictions are in place currently, fire managers are advising recreationists to use caution if choosing to build and maintain a campfire. In areas where campfires are allowed, fires should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished before you leave the area.
So far this year, there have been 99 abandoned campfires in the Teton Interagency Fire area. Unattended or abandoned campfires and warming fires can quickly escalate into wildfires and recreationists can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.
“All campers and day-users should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use if choosing to have a fire. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. It is extremely important that all campfires are “dead out” and cold to the touch before leaving,” states the release.
Wildfires are raging across much of Idaho and portions of Montana. Smoke from those fires, blew into the Jackson Hole valley yesterday from those fires, creating a blanket of haze that is expected to linger as fire season continues across the western United States.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 68 large fires have so far burned 438,904 acres in the U.S.
To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
