JACKSON, Wyo. — Stage 1 fire restrictions for the public lands handled by Teton Interagency Fire will go into effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday as fire danger in the area remains very high. Restrictions will be enforced in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) and the National Elk Refuge.
In GTNP, campfires are only allowed in designated metal fire grates, as usual. Campfires are never allowed on the Elk Refuge. On BTNF, lighting a fire will be prohibited unless the fire is located in: a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate installed and maintained by the Forest Service at developed recreation sites; a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device; or a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least 5 feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
Smoking is prohibited on those public lands unless the smoker is inside an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of flammable materials. Fireworks and explosives remain prohibited. Welding and torching with an open flame is prohibited except for in areas at least 10 feet in diameter cleared of flammable materials and equipped with Class 2A fire extinguishers.
“We appreciate the strong interagency coordination between our federal, state, and county partners in implementing stage 1 fire restrictions to protect public lands and communities,” BTNF Supervisor Chad Hudson said in a statement. “Please help us keep our public lands and communities safe by adhering to all fire restrictions.”
Those who violate the restrictions could be on the hook for fines up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for organizations, or for prison time up to six months, or for both imprisonment and fines.
Neighboring Caribou-Targhee National Forest implemented stage 1 fire restrictions last week. Teton County, Idaho, is under a burn ban.
Teton Interagency Fire reports that 101 unattended or abandoned campfires in the area have been extinguished so far this year. If an abandoned campfire escalates into a wildfire, the responsible party will be charged the extinguishing costs.
Friends of Bridger-Teton ambassadors observed unsafe campfire habits in Curtis Canyon this month. In these dry weather conditions, wildfires can spark easily and spread quickly. Those who choose to light outdoor fires are encouraged to extinguish fires using several gallons of water instead of a single water bottle. Remember to soak charred remains, stir the ashes and ensure remnants are cold to the touch before abandoning a campfire. Never leave a campfire unattended.
