JACKSON, Wyo. — As the Big Rock Fire near Heise, Idaho, rages on, smoke from the wildland fire continues to drift toward the valley.

Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer captured an image on Sunday of the smoke wafting through canyons in the Teton Range. Wildfire smoke can cause deteriorating air quality, so keep these tips in mind when deciding whether to recreate outdoors.

Smoke drifting in from the west on Sunday, seen from Table Mountain. Photo: Vera Salguero // Buckrail

While many areas around the country have been enduring wildfire smoke for the better part of the summer, Jackson Hole has mostly evaded the haze so far. But often it is viewed as an issue that will appear in a matter of time.

The early season Kinky Creek Fire on the Bridger-Teton National Forest sparked on June 23 and grew to 880 acres before nearing containment on July 8.

Buckrail meteorologist Alan Smith said that winds in the upper atmosphere are expected to shift to southwest next week, which could bring in cleaner air and push some of the smoke out of the valley. “The shift to southwest flow should also bring moisture, and rain and thunderstorm chances from the Southwest Monsoon back into our area heading into mid-August,” Smith said.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.