JACKSON, Wyo. — In Wyoming, May is wildlife awareness month and the beginning of the summer season in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Teton County is currently in a severe drought, according to the U.S Drought Monitor. As of May 11, the majority of Teton County is in a severe drought, with a small area in the northwest portion of the county classified in a moderate drought.
According to Buckrail Meteorologist, Alan Smith, abnormally dry conditions in March and April along with a below-average spring snowpack are largely responsible for the current drought conditions.
The Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center located in Moose, Wyoming, is reminding the community and its visitors to recreate responsibly. The region will likely experience an aggressive fire season.
Teton Interagency Fire has outlined guidelines to prevent wildfires and maintain safe campfires.
Campfire safety
Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials won’t burn and dead standing trees — called “snags” — are often homes for birds and other wildlife.
Once you have a strong fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily. This will keep embers from flying and smoke to a minimum. Keep the fire to a manageable size.
Don’t burn dangerous things like aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode or shatter and create harmful fumes or dust.
Do not leave campfires unattended under any circumstances. Children and pets should always be supervised around a campfire.
Extinguishing a campfire
Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
If water is available, drown all embers, not just the red ones. Continue pouring water on the fire until the hissing sound stops.
If water is not available, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire. Scrape the logs to remove embers and cover the embers with dirt or sand. No embers should be exposed and smoldering.
If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave, says Teton Interagency Fire.
