Editor’s note: Pile burns began early, April 28, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest.
PINEDALE, Wyo. — The Bridger Teton National Forest (BTNF) announced it will begin burning slash piles on the Big Piney and Pinedale Ranger Districts as early as May 2.
According to a U.S. Forest Service press release, spring pile burning will continue through the end of May or early June, depending on weather, fuels conditions and access.
These piles are located throughout both districts and are the product of the Forest Service hazardous fuels reduction program. The program involves mechanical or hand thinning (removing trees to reduce forest density and improve forest health) and slash generated by timber sales, as well as other miscellaneous project work.
Slash is the limbs, trucks and other material that is piled by forest personnel or contractors and left to cure. Most of the wood is of small diameter and the piles are designed to burn efficiently so that all material is completely consumed.
Piles are only ignited when fire and fuels managers are confident that the project can be undertaken safely and successfully. Snow cover, fuel moisture, precipitation, wind, temperature and available firefighter staffing are all taken into consideration before beginning a pile burn.
Smoke, flames and glowing embers are often visible, and are a normal part of pile burning operations. Snow and moist ground help contain the piles and firefighters patrol the area during and after the burn.
For more information call the Big Piney Ranger District at 307-276-3375 or the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-4326.
