Hunters: Be careful with campfires
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
August 30, 2005
With the start of the hunting season, the Bridger-Teton National Forest reminds all Forest users to continue to be careful with fire. "People just aren’t thinking of fire safety at this time of year. They assume because we’ve had a few rain storms that they don’t need to worry about putting out their campfires," says Fire Management Officer Rod Dykehouse. "It only takes a couple of days of warm dry weather to dry things out."
The reports of unattended campfires have fire managers reiterating a fire safety message for all Forest users. Although an area may appear green, the danger for fire still exists. "Even though it looks green, the drought conditions have left the dead materials and trees susceptible to fire and we still need to be careful with campfires on the Forest," said Dykehouse. "We just want to remind visitors to the Bridger-Teton to build their campfires in a safe spot, not to leave them unattended, and to extinguish them completely before leaving the area. Always keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby. When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, stir with a shovel, and never leave a fire until it is cold to the touch."
The Bridger-Teton asks that visitors keep their fires small and if charcoal briquettes are used, that they are dunked in water to ensure they are completely out.
To report an abandoned campfire or wildfire call Teton Interagency Dispatch in Jackson at 307-739-3630 or 911.
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