Update: Sept. 18: According to signage posted on Highway 31, Pine Creek Pass is closed until 5 p.m., Sept. 18.
“We were planning on having temporary closures, but due to the liability of having workers on the road and cars on the road, ITD decided on a full closure,” Jay Pence, Teton Basin district ranger for Caribou-Targhee National Forest said.
VICTOR, Idaho — The multi-year Red Creek prescribed fire project is back underway as of Sept. 17, with work expected to extend over the next several weeks, Caribou-Targhee National Forest announced.
The project area is just north of Highway 31 on Pine Creek Pass.
According to Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Rocky Peak Trail (FS Trail #230) near the Forest boundary will act as the eastern perimeter for the burn unit and the western perimeter will be the top of Pine Creek Pass, weather conditions permitting.
“During operations, firefighters will be located along Highway 31,” the announcement said. “For the safety of our firefighters, we ask individuals heading up Pine Creek Pass to use caution and drive slowly. Short delays may be possible.”
Fire managers reportedly selected this timeframe to take advantage of the current weather and build off past treatments. Implementation of the remainder of the project unit will occur over the subsequent weeks as conditions allow before weather changes, bringing cooler temperatures and fall rain or snow, the announcement said.
“Our overall goal is to reduce the amount of hazardous vegetation near public/private borders and to stimulate aspen regeneration to improve wildlife habitat,” said Teton Basin District Ranger Jay Pence.
