Fire Danger Increases in Teton Region
Written by Andrew-Rossi on August 16, 2018
The fire danger rating for Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest has increased to very high.
Recent hot temperatures, low humidity and lack of measurable precipitation have combined to increase the potential for fire activity. Officials say conditions in the area are drying quickly and a fire may start easily, spread quickly and burn intensely. There are no fire restrictions at this time, but everyone is asked to practice heightened fire safety at all times.
Nationally, fire preparedness right now is at the highest level, which means that firefighting resources are responding to numerous incidents across the western United States.
Teton Interagency fire personnel say they have extinguished almost 50 unattended or abandoned campfires this summer. Abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires, and it is extremely important that all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site.
Additionally, operators of unmanned aircraft systems or drones are reminded that flying near a wildfire is prohibited, and illegal. Drones can shut down fire-fighting operations which may put firefighters, residents and property at risk. Aerial resources recently had to be stopped on a wildfire in Idaho due to a near-miss midair collision.
