Teton County fire danger elevated to high

Very dry vegetation combined with warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds have pushed fire danger to “High” in all of Teton County, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, and the Bridger Teton National Forest Thursday. The region usually does not see such a high danger until mid-July.

Jackson Hole Fire-EMS and Teton Interagency Fire Center managers are encouraging residents and visitors to exercise caution and practice heightened fire safety at all times. Fireworks are illegal in all of Teton County.

Fire Center officials said several factors led to the early rise in fire danger, including a below normal snow pack with an early melt, useasonably warm temperatures in April and May and a lack of rainfall in June.

Campers have abandoned 16 campfires on the Bridger Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park so far this summer. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.

Fire danger on the Caribou Targhee National Forest and eastern Idaho BLM land is rated “moderate” today.