DRIGGS Idaho — If Teton Valley residents are wondering where the smoke is coming from, don’t be concerned. According to Caribou Targhee National Forest, a team conducted a prescribed burn in Teton Canyon this past weekend.
The team burned around 100 acres in Aspen, with the fire running out of burnable fuel in the conifers, as planned. The quaking aspen is considered a fire-adapted species because it regenerates productivity after a fire. The Forest Service manages prescribed fires and even some wildfires to benefit natural resources and reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires in the future.
“The Forest Service will be continuing the prescribed burn in the Teton Canyon area today,” said Teton County Idaho Sheriff’s Office. “It may be active for an extended period of time. Please be cautious if you are going to Teton Canyon. It may be a better option to recreate elsewhere for the time being.”
Jay Pence, of Teton Basin Ranger District Ranger, said they received great community support and that the project could not be accomplished without the support of various partners, including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and local public officials.
For more on the purpose behind prescribed burns click here.
