DRIGGS, Idaho —Firefighters on the Teton Basin Ranger District will continue prescribed fire operations on the Red Creek Prescribed Fire Project, located on Pine Creek Pass as early as today, Oct. 20.
This project will improve wildlife habitat and manage forest vegetation.
The Red Creek Prescribed Fire Project Area is located, just north of Highway 31, in the area of Pine Creek Pass (Unit 10). During operations, Forest Service Trail #230 (Rocky Peak) will be closed from 11 a.m. Thursday to 11 a.m. Saturday. The public is encouraged to choose another recreation location while operations are in effect.
Fire managers have selected this timeframe to take advantage of fall moisture typically forecasted this time of year.
“Our overall goal is to reduce the amount of hazardous vegetation near public/private borders and to stimulate aspen regeneration to improve wildlife habitat,” Deb Flowers, South Fork Zone Fuels assistant fire management officer said.
Prescribed fire is generally implemented on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest during the spring, late summer or fall seasons. Late fall provides good burn windows for prescribed burn operations, especially ahead of anticipated precipitation expected this coming weekend.
If weather conditions do not allow for ignition, the Forest Service will continue to monitor for an extended clear weather pattern that will meet the combination of fuel moisture, temperature, wind and smoke dispersal conditions necessary for a successful operation. During any season, weather and fuel conditions are the key elements needed to safely implement prescribed fire and meet project objectives. Fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire operations later this year as conditions allow.
