JACKSON, Wyo. — Despite recent rainy weather, wildfire season is here. Teton County Emergency Management and Jackson Hole Fire/EMS have collaborated on a series of wildfire safety reminders for Jacksonites.
The agencies shared best practices for wildfire prevention, mitigation and preparedness. Wildfire activity is starting earlier in the spring and lasting longer into the fall across the western U.S., the agencies said in a press release. They urge everyone to do their part to prevent accidental, human-caused wildfires, and to work to make homes and landscapes less ignitable should a wildfire occur.
See the agencies’ safety suggestions below. For more on wildfire safety, see tetonfires.com.
Wildfire Prevention
- Check for fire restrictions before lighting any kind of fire. Remember that LOW fire danger does not mean NO fire danger. Check tetonfires.com.
- Attend your campfire. Make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before abandoning. Remember: Drown, Stir, Feel, Repeat.
- Practice vehicle safety. Secure chains on your vehicle and ensure nothing is dragging on the ground. Never drive onto dry grass or brush. Keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and learn how to use it.
Wildfire Mitigation
- Reduce flammable material around your home before a fire occurs to minimize risk to your property, firefighters and the community. Learn more about home hardening and creating defensible space at readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready.
- Request a Wildfire Risk Overview. Teton Conservation District provides free, voluntary assessments to homeowners in Teton County. Learn more at tetonconservation.org/wildfire-risk-management.
Wildfire Preparedness
- Sign up for local emergency alerts. Text TETON_WY to 888777. Reply with “ESP” for alerts in Spanish.
- Create and practice your emergency plan. Visit ready.gov/plan for steps and templates.
- Protect your health. When it gets smoky, visit airnow.gov for air quality information and protective actions.
