JACKSON, Wyo. — Firefighters and fuels crews will soon begin pile burning operations throughout the forest, Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) announced this morning, Oct. 28.
Hand piles are created by crews using chainsaws to thin the forest and then piling the sawn unmarketable limbs, saplings, and brush. Removing these fuels aims to reduce forest density and improve forest health.
According to BTNF, This season’s pile burning could begin as early as Oct. 31 and continue through December, depending on weather, fuel conditions and access.
Piles are only ignited when fire and fuels managers are confident that the project can be undertaken safely and successfully, says BTNF. Snow cover, fuel moisture, precipitation, wind, temperature and available firefighter staffing are all considered before beginning a pile burn; snow helps contain the piles and firefighters patrol the area during and after the burn.
In the Jackson Ranger District, four pile-burning projects are scheduled:
- Phillips Bench, 42 acres
- Singing Tress, 41 acres
- Red Top Meadows, 56 acres
- Highland Hills, 3 acres
Pile-burning operations will also be conducted on the Blackrock Ranger District, Pinedale Ranger District, Big Piney Ranger District, Greys River Ranger District and Kemmer Ranger District.
