Hunters: Be alert to high fire danger
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 12, 2011
With the onset of the fall hunting season and some recent dry weather, the Bridger-Teton National Forest urges the public to use caution on public lands and be aware of the fire hazards that exist this time of year.
Four fires, including: the 9,036-acre Red Rock, 2,030-acre Nowlin, and the 76-acre Vail fires, are currently burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Firefighters are in the woods, wearing yellow shirts - Hunters, be sure of your shot! Be careful when camping and hiking within the vicinity of the fires. Check weather conditions, especially wind speed and direction, and stay informed on fire activity.
Even after fire has passed through an area other hazards exist, such as snags, falling trees, open flames or hot smoldering pockets of fuel, rolling rocks or debris, burned out stump holes, windblown ash and soot, and smoke that may reduce visibility. Be especially alert to unburned vegetation between you and any active portions of the fire, especially if the wind could push the fire in your direction.
With cool morning temperatures, many people start small warming fires and all too often fail to extinguish them properly before resuming their hunt. Warming fires generally are small in size but are missing many of the safety features regular campfires provide. They are usually built on top of dry forest fuels without a rock ring to keep the fire from creeping and spreading. Visitors on public lands are required to extinguish campfires and warming fires completely with water and a shovel before leaving them. Remember, in some public lands, fires can only be built in designated campfire rings. Please make sure you are aware of regulations before lighting a warming or campfire.
Fire danger for the Forest is HIGH, which means fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. Please make sure you extinguish all fires and do not park or drive on dry grass.
For more information on current fires in the area, visit www.tetonfires.com. To report a fire, please call 911 or Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630. For hunter safety information, contact your local Wyoming Game & Fish office.
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