JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Weather Service in Riverton issued the first Red Flag Warning of the wildfire season for Teton County and the surrounding areas starting at noon today through 8 p.m.
This comes as humidity has dropped into low levels, above normal temperatures and gusty winds that could create erratic fire behavior and start new fires.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.
In the past week, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS has responded to several grassfire starts across the County. All fires were successfully contained and quickly extinguished.
“It is a good reminder that fires can start easily even though fire restrictions are not currently in place right now,” said Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Wildfire Prevention Specialist Bobbi Clauson. “Right now, everyone should be taking steps to help reduce the risk of wildfires in our community.”
To reduce the incidence of human-caused fires:
- Always check for fire restrictions before lighting any kind of fire. Remember that LOW fire danger does not mean NO fire danger. Check www.tetonfires.com to see what fire regulations may be in place.
- Always attend your campfire. Make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before abandoning. Remember: Drown, Stir, Feel, Repeat.
- To report wildland fires, call 911 or Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
- Fireworks cause almost 20,000 reported fires in the U.S. each year. Fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the National Elk Refuge, or in Sublette and Teton Counties.
