Fire Danger lowered to ‘High’
Interagency Fire Officials lift fire restrictions on Federal lands
by Interagency Fire Officials
October 10, 2012
Due to cooler temperatures and shorter days, Teton Interagency Fire Officials are lifting fire restrictions in on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and in Grand Teton National Park. The restrictions are rescinded as of 12:01 a.m. October 10. Teton County remains in fire restrictions.
Although fire officials are reducing the fire danger rating to high and lifting fire restrictions, significant moisture is still needed to reduce the potential for new starts and to limit ignitions from becoming larger fires. While warm dry weather is creating late season opportunities for recreationalists, it is also prolonging the fire season.
High fire danger means all fine fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most sources. It also means unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. When ignited, fires will spread rapidly and their control may become difficult unless they are effectively managed while they are still small. Lower elevation grass and brush fuels are still volatile, prompting the decision for Teton County to remain in fire restrictions.
"While campfires are a welcome addition during cool fall nights, abandoned campfires can quickly escape as the day warms and afternoon winds develop," said Andy Norman, deputy fire management officer on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
As a reminder, the following are year-round wildfire prevention restrictions are in place on all Forest and Park Service administered public lands in Wyoming:
• Abandoning or failing to fully extinguish a campfire;
• Discharging or using any fireworks;
• Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burning, igniting, or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester.
Though the Teton Interagency Officials have lifted these fire restrictions, caution is still advised when camping or any other activity that involves or could involve fire. Campfires remain a concern for fire officials, who are asking the public to build campfires away from material that easily could ignite, keep the fires small and make sure they are completely out before leaving. For more information, visit www.tetonfires.com.
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