Caution urged as fire danger creeps to “very high”

Exceptionally dry conditions have moved fire danger to “very high” in western Wyoming.

The last significant rainfall came in late August and fuel conditions for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge and other parts of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area are the driest they’ve been all season. In addition, several days of red flag warnings have elevated local fire conditions.

At a “very high” level, fires can start easily from both human-caused and natural causes. They can spread rapidly and increase in intensity quickly.

Multiple fires have started on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park over the past several days. The two largest are the Roosevelt Fire on the Big Piney District and the Marten Creek Fire on the Greys River District.

Some summer employees are finishing their seasons and crews are being released for the year and that is stretching fire-fighting resources even further.

With hunting seasons coming up, forest officials are asking hunters and other visitors to make very sure that camp and warming fires are fully out before leaving them. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.